New State Airport Authority Closer to Reality?

Key lawmakers are optimistic about the state legislature creating a quasi-public authority to oversee Bradley International Airport and the state’s five smaller airports, CtMirror reports.

A bill pending on the Senate calendar would create a new nine-member Connecticut Airport Authority composed of public- and private-sector representatives to replace the existing Bradley Board of Directors.

Unlike the existing board, a largely advisory panel that guided the state Department of Transportation in the administration of Bradley, the new authority will be empowered to hire staff, retain consultants, procure goods and services and enter into contracts, issue bonds and otherwise borrow funds, and apply for federal and state assistance, the CtMirror article reports.

Local business and other leaders have been the proposed authority, saying the change could economically help the region around Bradley.