Airport - Special Committee — April 22, 2026

The New Bedford Special Committee on the Airport, chaired by Councillor Leo Choquette, convened to discuss a lease extension and receive an update on airport upgrades. The committee first addressed letters of absence from Councillors Joseph P. Lopes and Shawn Oliver. The primary agenda item was a lease extension for Sandpiper Air Incorporated for their Building 2. Airport Director Scott Service explained the new 30-year lease, which includes two 5-year options and requires a minimum $300,000 investment in the building by Sandpiper. The committee, after a discussion with Attorney David Gorotowski regarding a tax clause, voted to refer the lease to the full City Council for approval.

Following the lease discussion, Director Service presented a comprehensive update on ongoing and future airport projects. Key topics included the 10% design phase for a new air traffic control tower and a new terminal building. The total estimated cost for these two projects is approximately $60 million, with the city's share being about $3 million (5%) and the state providing the remaining 95%. Service also detailed the Taxiway Bravo relocation project and the recent procurement of a new snowblower and plow truck, funded primarily by federal BIL money, costing the airport's local share about $27,000 but having no direct impact on city taxpayers. The committee received the presentation and took no further action before adjourning.

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