Today, Logan Airport is one step closer to providing the citizens of Boston and New England with the efficient and on-time airport they deserve. This runway, as approved by the FAA, will reduce delays by one-quarter slashing almost 90,000 hours of delay a year and giving passengers that most precious commodity: time.

This decision is a testament to a long, thorough and inclusive public process.

Governor Swift, the entire Congressional Delegation, Mayor Menino, local elected officials, business leaders like Dick Egan, Chris Anderson and Paul Guzzi, airline officials and neighborhood residents have all been heard. As a result, todays decision approves the runway, requires the submittal of a plan on demand management and further FAA study of the centerfield taxiway and FAA flight tracks and runway use. In addition, we will continue to work on our innovative regionalization strategy.

The FAA and Massport have listened and the proof is in this decision.

As the new CEO of Massport, I hope that Mayor Menino and the Congressional Delegation will continue to provide guidance as I work to build their trust.

After seven years and more than 100 public meetings with over 3,000 participants we are on track to build a practical solution to Logan's chronic delay problem and help maintain Boston as a world-class city.

A wind restricted runway will cut delays by 80% during northwest winds.

It does this while addressing community perceptions about increasing capacity. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the FAA meet its obligation to enforce that wind restriction.

By working with City Hall, Massport will be a source of clear and accurate information about airport operations. While making it easier for passengers, we must also work to increase understanding and communication with the communities around Logan. This decision maps a path for providing the public with more data about noise, flight tracks, runway use and the day-to-day complexities of running a major international airport.

It is my sincere desire to give concerned residents as much information as possible and offer an inside view of the airport's operations and impacts.

It is important to note that outgoing FAA Administrator Jane Garvey deserves credit for bringing people together and listening to a wide range of opinions. In addition, I'd like to recognize the hard work of the FAA's regional team and that of the Massport staff, including Tom Kinton, Betty Desrosiers, and Flavio Leo.

I must also acknowledge some of my predecessors: Steve Tocco, who got the ball rolling on this project, Peter Blute, who did the hard work at the public meetings, and Virginia Buckingham, who secured the state's environmental approval last year.

Simply put, because of today's decision, one day soon, passengers will spend less time at the airport and have more time for themselves.

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