Expansion on Newport State Airport

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Created on Thursday, 03 April 2014 16:56
Written by Katrina Floranza

act250COVENTRY- The Vermont Agency of Transportation and District Seven's Act 250 committee held a meeting last night that was open to the public. The two parties met to discuss the expansion of the Newport State Airport.

The Act 250 Planning Commission is working on ways to help the area grow. Act 250, otherwise known as the Land Use and Development Act, is a law that's enforced to help keep Vermont green. Vermont Legislature passed the law back in 1970.

The airport is planning to expand their runway, which will benefit locals as well as tourists, by allowing the airport to run more flights easily. It will also be opening up for more international flights, making access into and out of Vermont easier.

"This project is going to provide some of the transportation that they need to get people into this area quickly and easily. As you know, the Northeast Kingdom is not easily accessed," said Jed Merrow, Project Manager of Act 250.

Not only will the proposed plans of expansion allow the airport to operate more often, it will also benefit Newport and other towns in an economic way.

An airplane manufacturing plant was also discussed at last night's meeting, which would open up more than 100 permanent jobs.

"This airport's not only going to support the community, but it's also going to be done. It's not going to impact folks environmentally. We want to see an economic impact, which is always good for a region."

The airport will also be opening up for international flights. The airport is located near the Canadian border, which is where the free trade zone is located. The free trade zone, otherwise known as the Foreign Trade Zone, is an area where groups of countries agreed to reduce or eliminate trade barriers.

"The airport was given a foreign trade zone status not so long ago. We've submitted an application for customs and border protection. So, what that means is there will be a lot more facilities on the airfield for international flights and there will be facilities on the airfield to support cargo that can be flown in and it will support the local economy," Merrow adds.

The meeting last night also mentioned plans of adding a new terminal to the airport, as well as eight new hangars.