The FAA has extended to September 22, 2006, the public comment period for the draft written reevaluation of a proposed centerfield taxiway at Logan International Airport. The extension will allow for additional public participation in the project.

The draft reevaluation and backup technical report, required under the FAA’s Record of Decision for the Logan Airside Improvements Planning Project, reviewed taxiway operations north of runway 15R-33L at Boston Logan International Airport. FAA deferred its decision on the proposed centerfield taxiway until the taxiway operations north of runway 15R -33L were assessed.

If approved by the FAA, the centerfield taxiway would be a 9,300 foot parallel taxiway between runway 4L and 4R. The centerfield taxiway is an important element in making Logan a safer airport. It would reduce the chance of conflicts between taxiing aircraft and aircraft operating on the runway. The centerfield taxiway would also allow aircraft to taxi to the runway or to the gate more efficiently. Additionally, it would reduce the number of aircraft queuing on existing taxiways, thus reducing delays and air emissions. The proposed centerfield taxiway is included in the list of airfield actions to improve Boston Logan's efficiency and was studied extensively in the Boston-Logan Airside Improvements Planning EIS/EIR (1995 to 2002).

The draft reevaluation and associated technical report are available at public libraries in East Boston and Winthrop, and are also available for viewing and downloading at the Airports New England Region website.

Comments may be e-mailed to John Silva or may be mailed to the following address:

John Silva, Manager of Environmental Programs
New England Region Airports Division
Federal Aviation Administration
12 New England Executive Park
Burlington, MA 01803

Copies of the Draft Reevaluation and Technical Report may be obtained from the FAA at the same address.

FMI: www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/regional_guidance/new_england/