Sen. Kane and Rep. Labriola in favor of new hangar at Waterbury-Oxford Airport

HARTFORD — State Senator Rob Kane (R-32) and State Representative David Labriola (R-131) asked the transportation committee Wednesday to consider changes to regulations concerning Environmental Impact Evaluations for proposed development at the Waterbury-Oxford Airport.

SB 412 (raised) An Act Concerning Environmental Impact Evaluations (EIE) for a Development Project proposes to change ambiguous language concerning the implementation and payment for Environmental Impact Evaluations. The proposed changes clarify existing regulations by making it clear that for any future development requiring an EIE, the developer will pay the agency involved and that agency will then hire a consultant to complete the report. While the proposed bill resolves this ambiguity for future projects it would also allow this important project to move forward.

“It’s not everyday that we have business people looking to generate this type of investment in Connecticut,” Senator Kane said. “This bill would allow a privately funded development to proceed at the publically owned Oxford Airport. This development is a $33 million investment that will create 300 jobs at a time when they are desperately needed.”

Representative Labriola agreed, adding “The proposed changes will allow construction of a new hangar at the Waterbury-Oxford Airport which will not only bring in much needed jobs to the state during this difficult economic time but will also support future business growth in the state. Both the business committee and the environmental community support this change as it can only benefit future construction projects in the state.”

Without the proposed changes the state Department of Transportation would be forced to do another environmental impact statement at a cost to state taxpayers of $100,000 that could delay the project for another year.