CONTACT: Matthew Brelis or Richard Walsh 617-568-3100

Massport Board to Open Meetings with Public Comment Period
Customer Service, Community Relations, Transparency Key to Change

BOSTON – Starting at its regularly scheduled February Board meeting, the Massachusetts Port Authority will build in time at the start of each meeting for public comment on matters related to the Authority or its operations.

“Massport’s operations have substantial impact on the regional economy and they impose significant burdens on neighboring communities,’’ said David Mackey, Interim CEO of Massport. “The Board, led by Chairman Richard Davey, wanted to make sure the public has a chance to be heard on the Authority’s airport, seaport, and real estate activities, and it is only right that we formally offer them that opportunity.’’

The new policy is designed to make it easier for the public to address the Board by providing a formal time-slot at the start of each meeting. In the past, when members of the public addressed the Board, there was no set time for that dialogue to occur.

At each meeting, about 30 minutes will be set aside for comment. Priority will be given, on a first come basis, to those individuals who wish to speak on a subject noticed as an agenda topic for the meeting. Priority will also be given to individuals who sign up in advance to speak. The Board’s agenda is posted on the Authority’s website several days before the meeting. Individuals wishing to speak on subjects not noticed as agenda items will be allowed to speak if time permits.

Guidelines on the policy, including sign-up procedures, can be found on massport.com.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities.

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