RICHARD E. NEI\L 

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The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department ofTranspo!1ation 

400 ih Street SW 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: 

June ll, 2012 

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port in regards to the application for grant funding under the 2012 

'lee Development Program submitted by the Westover Metropolitan 

Airport. Located in Chicopee, Massachusetts; Westover not only is the site of a commercial 

aiq)ort, but also one of the largest reserve Air Force bases along the eastem seaboard. 

In 2008, Westover lost daily commercial airline service to Columbus, Ohio and Greensboro, 

North Carolina provided by Skybus Airlines. This ocCUlTed in large pmi due to the cost of crude 

oil reaching a price of$140.00 per barreL During the first nine months of operation, service \Vas 

very successful with passenger load factors of 60%. Skybus Airlines presence in the community 

provided business and leisure options for the market, and served the sixty-five thousand college 

aged young adults who attend a variety of institutions of higher education located in the regions 

of Massachusetts and Connecticut known as the "Knowledge Con·idor." 

The airline locally employed approximately 45 peopie in a var:iety of capacities including ticket 

counter, baggage handling, security, and fueling, as well as airport operations. 

One efficient solution for overcrowded commercial airports is the use of undemtilized airports 

lik~ Westover. This practice not only alleviates the overcrowding, but since these airports can 

offer lower fees, it encourages airlines to open new routes and markets to the public. 

An additional benefit to commercial airline service at Westover is an increase in enplanements 

(passengers purchasing tickets) that exceed I 0,000 per calendar year. This level of enplanements 

qualifies Westover for FAA P1imary Entitlement funds in the amount of $1,000,000 annually. 

The:se funds an: uscJ for significant airpon improvements that create engineering, design and 

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construct ion jobs and increased tax ren·mtes. thus pro\ id ing jobs and scn·iccs for the pub! ir 

benefit. 

Westover serves as a gateway to Springfield, Central & Western Massachusetts, Northem 

Connecticut and the Pioneer Valley. Airline service to this area would enrich the local economy 

with an increase of revenues from rental cars, hotel stays. restaurants, retail sales and tourist 

attractions. 

The retum of airline service will enhance our region's attractiveness to private investment and 

would improve the quality of life for those who live and work in our region. This grant would 

enable Westover Metropolitan Airport to once again compete for new airline service to this 

region of Massachusetts. I strongly urge your consideration of this application. 

Sincerely, 

Member of Congress 

510-120622-024