WORCESTER – Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) is working on a project to upgrade its facilities by demolishing and refurbishing the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) tower. The extensive 12 month project, which began in April 2014 and is scheduled for completion in April 2015, involves removing the third and fourth floors of the building.

“I’m pleased to see continuing improvements being made to Worcester Regional Airport,” Rep. Jim McGovern said. “Under the leadership of Massport, and with continued federal support, Worcester Airport is moving steadily in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the completed renovation next year.”

Partially funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the three million dollar renovation will upgrade facilities to allow the airport to provide a greater level of service to its customers and air carriers.

“These upgrades reflect Massport’s commitment to invest in Worcester Regional Airport,” said Andrew Davis, Airport Director at ORH. “Although the removal of the tower will change the silhouette of our facility, these changes will ensure that we are able to meet the growing demands of air travel and better serve the needs of our customers and the region.”

Originally opened in 1953, the airport’s ARFF tower housed airport maintenance, safety, air traffic control, communications, and weather services until 1996 when ORH’s air traffic control functions moved to a new facility on the south side of the property and the building became unoccupied. Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting equipment will be relocated to the north side of the facility where larger bays are better able to accommodate modern safety equipment to protect and serve passengers and the airport. Other essential airport functions, staff, offices, and equipment will be housed in the first and second floors of the former tower’s refurbished base.

“This is great news for Worcester Regional Airport and our city,” said Timothy Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The airport is clearly a growing economic engine for our region; improvements to the facility will only continue to help make the airport an even more attractive option for commercial businesses and their customers.”

Worcester Regional Airport, conveniently located in the heart of Central Massachusetts and owned/operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, includes a $15.7 million passenger terminal and over $12 million worth of airside improvements such as lighting systems, navigational aids and a new control tower. ORH serves Worcester County, the second fastest growing county in Massachusetts, along with the Boston Metro West region and the bustling Interstate 495 corridor. The facility offers travelers comfort and accessibility and features four jet way gates, two ramp level gates, baggage carousels, a TSA installed passenger and baggage screening system, and extensive general aviation services and amenities including a fixed-base operator.

Follow @FlyWorcester and @Massport on Twitter for more information and updates.

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. For more information please visit www.massport.com.

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