CT DEEP Inland & Wetland Permit Application (2025)
Tweed-New Haven Airport Expansion & Environmental Mitigation Plan
Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), through the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority (TNHAA) and the New HVN LLC, are advancing a landmark infrastructure project that will modernize the airport and strengthen its role as a regional economic engine. As part of this effort, TNHAA and the New HVN LLC have submitted its environmental permit applications to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)—a pivotal step forward that underscores the Authority’s commitment to delivering one of the most comprehensive environmental and flood resilience plans ever undertaken for a regional airport in Connecticut.
These applications outline how critical infrastructure improvements will be paired with robust environmental mitigation, long-term sustainability strategies, and a thoughtful approach to engaging and protecting the surrounding communities.
CT DEEP – Application Information
Project Overview
The project extends Runway 02-20 by 639 feet to the south and 336 feet to the north, resulting in a total length of 6,575 feet. A new 80,000-square-foot East Terminal, expanded parking for up to 4,000 vehicles, and a dedicated access road from Proto Drive will be built entirely within the existing airport footprint, minimizing land use and environmental impacts.
Modernization of critical infrastructure to meet regional air service demand
The runway extension and terminal expansion will allow HVN to accommodate larger aircraft and increased passenger volumes, providing the region with more reliable air service and new destinations. The improvements will support the airport’s projected growth through 2040 and beyond.
Major increase in operational and fuel efficiencies
Extending the runway removes current aircraft payload restrictions, allowing airlines to operate more efficiently. Apron and taxiway improvements will reduce fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by shortening taxi times.
Enhanced flood resilience designed for extreme climate conditions
The East Terminal will be elevated on structural piers above the 100-year flood elevation. Key systems will be placed above flood levels, and the structure will allow water to pass underneath during severe weather events.
Restoration of native tidal wetlands and habitat expansion
The environmental mitigation plan will enhance or create over 32 acres of high-value tidal wetlands, improving water quality, supporting estuarine wildlife, and serving as a natural coastal defense.
Protection of wetlands and public trust resources in perpetuity
A Long-Term Management Plan will ensure that restored wetlands are permanently conserved, regularly monitored, and maintained for the benefit of future generations.
Prioritizes community compatibility by routing airport traffic through commercial and industrial areas, avoiding residential neighborhoods
The expansion prioritizes compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods through smart design and strategic planning. A new access road will route airport traffic through commercial and industrial corridors, avoiding residential streets. Additionally, the terminal and parking structures will act as visual and acoustic buffers, helping to reduce noise.
Environmental Stewardship & Flood Resilience
Tweed-New Haven Airport’s expansion is underpinned by a comprehensive, science-driven environmental strategy that not only addresses regulatory requirements but also enhances regional ecosystems and prepares the airport for future climate challenges. Developed through years of coordination with environmental experts and state and federal regulators, HVN’s mitigation plan includes wetland preservation and restoration, flood resilience engineering, air quality improvements, and long-term ecological stewardship.
Wetland Preservation, Restoration & Long-Term Monitoring Strategies
The project offsets unavoidable impacts to 9.31 acres of wetlands by enhancing 28.5 acres of tidal wetlands and creating 3.61 acres of new tidal salt marsh. Restoration activities will promote native species like Spartina alterniflora while targeting the reduction of invasive species such as Phragmites australis. To improve hydrology, tide gate operations will be modified to enhance tidal exchange and salinity—creating favorable conditions for native vegetation. In upland areas, regrading and excavation will expand the footprint of functional tidal wetlands, supporting estuarine wildlife and ecosystem health.
Adaptive Management & Long-Term Protection
A robust five-year monitoring plan will track vegetation, wildlife, salinity levels, and erosion, with corrective actions—such as supplemental planting and hydrologic adjustments—taken as needed. Upon completion, restored wetlands will be safeguarded under a Long-Term Management Plan that includes annual and bi-annual inspections, invasive species control, conservation easement enforcement, and other permanent conservation measures.
Flood Resilience Engineering
The East Terminal will be constructed on structural piers, raising it above the 100-year flood elevation to withstand extreme weather events. Mechanical systems will be placed in elevated locations, and the terminal’s open lower level will allow floodwaters to flow safely beneath the structure, reducing damage risk and ensuring operational continuity during severe storms.
Grassland Bird Habitat Mitigation Plan
The Airport’s environmental commitments include preserving 25 acres of grassland bird habitat to protect species like the grasshopper sparrow and bobolink — some of the fastest-declining bird populations in the Northeast. These birds rely on large, open grasslands that have been disappearing across Connecticut due to development and land fragmentation. This mitigation, developed in coordination with CT DEEP, ensures high-quality habitat is protected and managed to support these species’ survival while balancing aviation safety and development.
Air Quality Improvements
The expansion will also contribute to cleaner air by reducing taxi times and optimizing aircraft movement. These improvements will lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the aviation industry’s broader sustainability goals.
Long-Term Commitment
This expansion prioritizes environmental justice and long-term stewardship, reflecting TNHAA’s commitment to being a responsible and responsive neighbor. From the outset, TNHAA has engaged with local leaders, environmental experts, and residents to ensure the project meets both regional transportation needs and community expectations.
The Authority is proactively implementing mitigation and monitoring programs to preserve natural resources, minimize disruption, and ensure transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
TNHAA’s Long-Term Management Plan includes:
- Annual and bi-annual inspections
- Invasive species control
- Conservation easement enforcement
- Ongoing monitoring of wetland function and resilience
The DEEP application underscores TNHAA’s vision for Tweed-New Haven Airport to grow responsibly—delivering modern, efficient air travel while protecting ecosystems and ensuring harmony with the surrounding community.
