FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Heather B. Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Issues Statement Regarding Sikorsky Memorial Airport

Stratford, Connecticut (May 31, 2007) - Mayor Miron today issued the following statement regarding the Connecticut Department of Transportation's (ConnDOT) recent approval to create a safety zone at the Main Street end of the Sikorsky Memorial Airport and to relocate Main Street.

“I have always been very clear in all of my public statements, and in my private conversations, that I am opposed to the expansion of the runway footprint.

It is important to clarify that the recent approval by ConnDOT is the first of many steps required before ConnDOT can implement their proposal to create a safety zone. The proposed addition of safety zones will not increase the overall length of the paved portion of the runways at the airport. In other words, the runway footprint would not be expanded.

The Town of Stratford has never been silent on the issue of runway expansion. In fact, I have had numerous conversations and meetings with Mayor Fabrizi and the Town’s position is well known to the owners of the airport.

I attended a meeting at ConnDOT Headquarters in Newington last year, with members of the FAA, ConnDOT, Mayor Fabrizi, members of Mayor Fabrizi’s administration and Sikorsky Memorial Airport staff. The Town’s positions regarding safety at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and the expansion of the airport footprint were made very clear at that time to all parties present.

The recent press report that I was unavailable or uninterested in meeting with ConnDOT is untrue. I have never refused to meet with ConnDOT or any other person or entity regarding the airport.

Additionally, it is important to point out that not one member of Stratford’s state delegation was informed by ConnDOT of any intent to make a decision as it relates to the safety zones at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. The state delegation and I are united in our positions regarding the Airport. We have consistently communicated with each other, and will continue to do so, on this issue and for the betterment of our community.

What happens to Main Street is not up to the Mayor. It is up to the people of Stratford. ConnDOT has never made a presentation to the Town Council or to the general public. Nor has it given members of the public the opportunity to comment on their proposal at a public hearing.

On behalf of our residents, I insist that Stratford has a voice in this process - not only as it relates to the airport, but to our roads as well. I call for immediate meetings and public hearings on this issue.”

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