EAST HAMPTON DISCUSSES FATE OF KHTO

The operation of East Hampton Airport (HTO) is subject to potential closure this September when the airport’s FAA grant assurances are set to expire. The airport has faced continued environmental and economic-related complaints voiced by community members that were reiterated during East Hampton’s Town Board meeting earlier this month. The meeting also presented support from those in favor of the airport’s continued operation beyond the grant assurance expiration date. East Hampton currently has four options for HTO including negotiation of an agreement for mandatory restrictions on aircraft operations, closure of the airport followed by reopening, continued operation as a public-use airport, or total closure upon the grant assurance expiration date.

The East Hampton Community Alliance group has developed a dedicated effort toward protecting HTO from closure. The group conducted an independent study which indicated economic impacts of the airport included $77 million and 800 jobs added to the local community. Recently, the group finalized the East Hampton Airport Pilot Pledge to encourage voluntary noise abatement. This initiative is expected to help improve relations with airport neighbors ahead of the looming September expiration date.