AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage has signed into a law a bill that will increase access to the Belfast Municipal Airport and allow for other improvements at the facility.
The bill was sponsored by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo).
The legislation authorizes the Maine National Guard to transfer a piece of property to the City of Belfast. This exchange is necessary in order to build a new taxiway at Belfast Municipal Airport and enhance safety.
This transfer will provide the land necessary for the future construction of a partial parallel taxiway, a project that will not only improve safety and accessibility at Belfast Municipal Airport, but will also allow it to continue to be an asset to support the economy of Waldo County.
Belfast Municipal Airport serves as an important piece of infrastructure, supporting the economy of the Belfast region. Two of Belfast’s largest employers, athenahealth and Front Street Shipyard, make extensive and regular use of the airport, as do commuters, seasonal residents, and tourists.
“This airport is becoming increasingly important to Belfast and the entire region,” Senator Thibodeau said. “Businesses are reliant on the facility to fly out of to conduct business around the world and to welcome clients to coastal Maine. These improvements, made possible by the land transfer, will benefit all who use the airport.
“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible, especially members of the Maine National Guard and Thomas Kittredge who is the Economic Development Director for the City of Belfast.”
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