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North Haven board hears runway feasibility proposal; opts to pulse community before commissioning study
Summary
The board heard ABS Engineering's high‑level runway‑siting analysis proposal, including possible partnership with LifeLight/Pia and environmental and airspace constraints. Members asked staff to take the community temperature and return with a draft survey rather than immediately funding the study.
The North Haven Select Board on March 19 heard a proposal from Shane McDougall of ABS Engineering to conduct an initial, high‑level runway‑siting analysis to assess options for a longer, better‑equipped runway on the island. Shane said the desktop study would focus on runway sighting, airspace and approach analyses, environmental constraints (including wetlands), and navigational aids to identify any red flags before committing to a larger planning investment.
Shane described the work as a 30,000‑foot planning exercise: “we'll look at orientation, topography, approach procedures, airspace analysis and environmental considerations” to determine whether a given site is viable. He told the board that LifeLight and an operator identified as Pia have expressed interest in partnering on navigational aids and other supports that strengthen grant applications.
Board members raised several concerns. Some members said Watson's current operating agreement (which limits flights) and community opposition to increased traffic remain major obstacles; others pointed to wetlands, proximity to the school and intersection impacts where a runway extension might require moving or altering a road. One member noted earlier surveys favored runway options in prior public meetings but others urged re‑checking public sentiment because the operational context has changed.
Cost estimates referenced by board members varied during discussion; members asked for clarity on the study price and whether the airport reserve could cover it. Rather than vote to fund the study immediately, the board directed staff to draft a short community pulse (survey or informational mailing) laying out three options and to return with a clear scope, cost estimate and outreach plan at the next meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare a draft community survey and scope options for a future board vote; Shane said he can revise the proposal if the board narrows preferred sites or objectives.
