February 5, 2008
Business Leaders Divided Over Longer Runway
A new study suggests users of the Fitchburg Municipal Airport are divided about the idea of lengthening the runway there.
In two separate surveys, one of businesses that use the airport and one of local chamber of commerce members, about half of each group said it would be a good idea while the other half did not see it as important.
According to Darren Mochrie, a senior project manager for RKG Associates Inc., Which conducted the study for the North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council , the longer runway would allow larger planes to use the airport.
The study also found that the airport is used primarily by recreational flyers. Of 35 business users surveyed, a quarter said they would close down or move if the airport were not available. Another third said they would use a different facility.
Of 183 members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce who completed the survey, 26 percent said they use the airport regularly, while 60 percent use other airports.
The study did not offer policy recommendations but it did suggest that a business plan for the airport to be developed.
In two separate surveys, one of businesses that use the airport and one of local chamber of commerce members, about half of each group said it would be a good idea while the other half did not see it as important.
According to Darren Mochrie, a senior project manager for RKG Associates Inc., Which conducted the study for the North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council , the longer runway would allow larger planes to use the airport.
The study also found that the airport is used primarily by recreational flyers. Of 35 business users surveyed, a quarter said they would close down or move if the airport were not available. Another third said they would use a different facility.
Of 183 members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce who completed the survey, 26 percent said they use the airport regularly, while 60 percent use other airports.
The study did not offer policy recommendations but it did suggest that a business plan for the airport to be developed.
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