The Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs issued a MEPA Certificate for the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) filed by Delta Air Lines for the building of a brand new Terminal A at Logan Airport. The Secretary acknowledged that Delta's filing properly and adequately complies with MEPA regulations. The Secretary also approved the proposed mitigation program for the project.
"The Secretary's certificate is a major milestone in Massport's effort to build a more customer friendly and efficient airport," said Massport Executive Director and CEO Virginia Buckingham. "The new Terminal A will be a model of how airport efficiency can work in tandem with environmental improvements."
The certificate clears the way for the replacement of an outdated, 33 year-old Terminal A with a world class facility that will provide passengers with an attractive efficient terminal while reducing airplane noise for local communities. The terminal is expected to cost nearly $390 million, of which Delta will pay about $335 million.
Massport will own and operate the terminal, which is expected to be a national model for passenger- and environmental-friendly airport facilities.
The modern terminal will deliver a new level of customer convenience and efficiency and has a separate concourse designed as a physical sound barrier shielding the Jeffries Point neighborhood from aircraft noise. In addition, the terminal plans include:
- new vehicle circulation patterns for quick, efficient drop-off and pick-up.
- improved aircraft movement procedures and practices to cut down on noise and emissions.
- design features to maximize "green" technology including the use of recyclable materials, natural lighting, energy conservation plans, and alternative fuel.
- technology for vehicles servicing the aircraft and terminal.
These features will result in reduced noise, long term benefits to the air quality, and a boost to Massport's overall commitment to the environment and local neighborhoods. Construction of the new terminal is expected to begin summer 2001 and be completed late fall 2004.