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July 7, 2023

Close, or invest? Study of Brainard Airport’s future comes amid FAA plan to upgrade tower

Contributed Hartford's Brainard Airport.

A study of Hartford-Brainard Airport’s current status and potential future uses is underway, with a public informational session scheduled for July 13.

The study, commissioned by the state Department of Economic and Community Development, is being conducted by BFJ Planning, The purpose is to “assess the benefits and opportunity costs” to the city and state of “current and alternative uses” of the 200-acre site.

The possibilities include upgrades to the airport or closing it altogether. The South Meadows property has been eyed by local officials as prime riverfront real estate for future development.

Another scenario includes investing in the airport’s aging infrastructure, including replacing its air traffic control tower, which was built in 1973.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration 2023 budget document, Brainard is among 31 small airports in the United States that could have their FAA-contact towers replaced. It is the only airport in Connecticut listed.

The FAA has set aside more than $500 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support site evaluation, preparation and construction of the towers. 

The state’s consultant, BFJ Planning, has already held three public informational sessions; the next is at 6:30 p.m. July 13 at the Metzner Center, 680 Franklin Ave., and the final session will be held in August.

Ultimately, the study will make recommendations concerning the “highest and best use of the property, if not its current use.” Those recommendations will take into account the economic impact of the airport; the potential economic impact of alternative uses, including commercial, residential and recreational; and environmental or flood control obstacles.

The site has operated as an airport since 1921. Formerly a cow pasture, the area was prone to flooding before construction of the Clark Dike, which abuts the property.

The airport is currently home to 138 planes, which are mostly single-engine piston aircraft.

The consultant expects the airport to continue operating at a loss for the foreseeable future. Operating revenue averages about $938,00 a year, with operating expenses of about $1.2 million.

Brainard is also home to a flight training school. If the airport closed, the consultant estimates that 30 full-time jobs and 24 part-time jobs would be lost. The owners of aircraft stationed at the facility would either have to move or sell their planes.

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