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Congressman James P. McGovern, along with Massport CEO Craig Coy, Acting City Manager Michael V. OBrien and city leaders today announced that the city of Worcester and the Massachusetts Port Authority have reached agreement for Massport to continue operating and managing Worcester Regional Airport for three additional years.

The agreement, an amendment to the original 1999 Operating Agreement, calls for Massport to pay 100% of the airport's operating deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Massport's obligation would decrease to 85% of the deficit in fiscal year 2006 and to 68% of the deficit in FY 2007. The City will continue to be responsible for capital costs for the airport.

The three-year extension of the operating agreement will allow for the completion of both the New England Regional System Plan Study being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Worcester Regional Airport Master Plan Study to be conducted under grants from the FAA and the Massachusetts Aeronautical Commission.

"I'm very glad to see that Massport and the City have agreed to continue their partnership for the benefit of the airport and all those who are served by it - now and in the future, said Congressman McGovern. Massport's involvement and expertise are incredibly valuable. We all expect the two studies to give us the information we need to map out a successful, long-term strategy for the airport."

"With two major studies under way to determine its future, Worcester Regional Airport is at a critical crossroad, said Massport CEO Coy. It makes sense for Massport to continue to manage and operate the airport as all stakeholders work together to chart a course for the future.

Acting City Manager O'Brien said, "We are pleased that Massport will continue its role at Worcester Regional Airport. Massport's on-going support ensures that our airport will continue to operate at a level that can support future commercial and corporate air service as well as general aviation. In addition, through the support of our local elected officials, especially Congressman McGovern, the airport has received the necessary funds to keep the facility viable for future commercial service.

"This agreement is critical for the state's success in implementing a coordinated transportation plan, said Worcester Mayor Timothy Murray. I appreciated the work of Congressman McGovern and the city manager in the pursuit of the continuation of this relationship with Massport, as we look toward the future for Worcester Regional Airport.

This agreement is an important step in the right direction to make this a viable airport we can all be proud of, said Michael Amir, Chairman of the Worcester Regional Airport Commission, I personally would like to thank Congressman McGovern, Massport, our city leaders and the members of the Airport Commission who work hard to achieve the best for our airport.

The Massport Board approved the amendment during its meeting this morning. The Worcester Regional Airport Commission authorized Chair Michael Amir to sign the amendment during its regular meeting on April 12th. The agreement will be put before the Worcester City Council when it next meets on April 27th.

Massport's partnership with Worcester began in 1995 with a Technical Assistance Agreement to aid the airport in developing effective strategies and programs for airport operations, capital improvements, ground access and community and marketing issues. Massport formally entered into an Operating Agreement with the city in 1999. The five-year agreement called for Massport to operate and manage the airport and pay the airport's operating debt. Massport currently pays 100% of the airport's operating debt, estimated at $2.3 million dollars this year.

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