MASSPORT: About Massport: FAQ

Is Massport a state agency?
Does Massport receive any state funds for its operations?
Does Massport operate the tunnels or Turnpike?
Does Massport Control the Big Dig Project?
Is Massport responsible for scheduling or operations of the air carriers or cruise lines which use its facilities?
Who decides flight patterns at Logan?
Who handles Massport's security?

Is Massport a state agency?
No, Massport was enabled by the Massachusetts legislature in 1959 as an independent public authority. It is not part of the state government, although its board is appointed by the sitting governor of Massachusetts for staggered seven-year terms.

Does Massport receive any state funds for its operations?
Massport receives no state taxpayer funds for its operations. It is a revenue bond authority and all of its monies are generated by these bonds and through user fees charged at the facilities it operates.

Does Massport operate the tunnels or Turnpike?
No, Massport does not operate these facilities. They are under the jurisdiction of another authority, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

Does Massport Control the Big Dig Project?
No, the Big Dig Project is the responsibility of the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD.) However, Massport is working closely with the MHD to ensure that traffic flows smoothly to and from Massport's facilities and into the wider regional transportation system throughout the construction process.

Is Massport responsible for scheduling or operations of the air carriers or cruise lines which use its facilities?
Massport's responsibilities end at the jetway or gangway respectively. Any questions about flight delays, luggage, cancellations, etc., must be directed to the airline or cruise line concerned.

Who decides flight patterns at Logan?
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for all issues related to airline flight patterns.

Who handles Massport's security?
Director of Corporate Security Dennis Treece presides over security at Massport, coordinating the efforts of the aviation security director, maritime and bridge security director and facility directors. Colonel Treece is also the key contact with the Transportation Security Administration, the state's homeland security director and other local and federal law enforcements agencies, including the MA State Police Troop F, stationed at Logan.

Checked baggage screening is handled by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is now screening 100% of checked baggage at Logan in order to provide passengers world-class airport security and world-class customer service. All carry-on baggage is also inspected by the TSA along with all passengers and employees who must pass through the security checkpoints in order to reach the airline gates and concessions in the terminal's secure areas.