Press Release, Branford Democratic Town Committee

During Tuesday’s additional public hearing on Tweed New Haven Airport’s proposed expansion plan, Branford Town Representative Tracy Everson (D-5th District), who serves as the Minority Leader, again voiced her support for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“Branford has a population of approximately 28,000. I am here to advocate for a full environmental impact statement on behalf of the people in my town and my constituents who are concerned about the long-term health effects and environmental impact of an expanded Tweed,” Everson stated.

Everson is also a member of the Branford Coastal Vulnerability ad hoc Working Group, and in her personal remarks, questioned such a substantial investment on airport land that is 12 feet above sea level. She added the State of Connecticut projects sea level rise of 20 inches by 2050, and wondered how a full environmental review could be skipped knowing this type of flooding is projected.

“We are relying on the Federal Aviation Administration to require complete due diligence - first. An environmental assessment should not be considered enough, given its based on modeling and projections,” she added.

Everson pointed out that the Environmental Assessment (EA) reveals that 50% of the flights pass over Branford at low altitudes as they approach the airport to land.

“Scientific research tells us that increased asthma levels result from airport proximity. The low approach over Branford brings planes perilously close to what were once quiet neighborhoods. No one asked us - the residents - if it was ok to increase the flights above our town.”

Everson has been advocating for a full EIS since February when the Branford Representative Town Meeting was asked to pass a resolution supporting it [and] the resolution was voted down by the republican majority.

Reporters Note: Zip06/The Sound’s coverage of the February RTM vote appears at this link.