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The certificate clears the way for the replacement of an outdated, 33 year-old Terminal A with a world class facility that will provide passengers with an attractive efficient terminal while reducing airplane noise for local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.

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