Members of the Connecticut House of Representatives have voted to create a new quasi-public Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) to run Bradley International Airport (BDL) along with five general aviation airports across the state.

“Bradley Airport is centrally located, easily accessible and it could be a major economic driver in our state – if we approach its operations and management strategically,” said Governor Malloy in praise of the action. “This bill will free Bradley from the bureaucracy that has hamstrung the airport in the past and help to make it more attractive to new routes, new airlines and new ways to increase our state’s economic viability. It’s important to note this bill’s bipartisan, bicameral backing, and I look forward to working with those who are as committed as I am to make Bradley International Airport an integral part of our state’s economic strategy.”

Management and operation of BDL will be transferred from Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) to the new authority.

Substitute Bill No. 1003 establishes a board to “oversee the operation and development of Bradley International Airport, Danielson Airport, Groton/New London Airport, Hartford Brainard Airport, Waterbury-Oxford Airport and Windham Airport.

“The CAA shall consist of nine members, appointed as follows, with the advice and consent of the General Assembly: The Commissioner of Transportation and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, each serving ex-officio, a representative appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be a representative of one of the general aviation airports, a representative appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives from among the members of the Bradley International Community Advisory Board and five private sector members appointed as follows: (A) The Governor shall appoint three members, one of whom shall be designated as the chairperson, (B) the president pro tempore of the Senate shall appoint one member, and (C) the minority leader of the Senate shall appoint one member. The term of office of each member shall be four years from the date of appointment or until such member’s successor is appointed and has qualified, whichever is later. In the initial term of the authority, at least one appointment by the Governor shall be from the authority’s predecessor, the Bradley board of directors.”