Tucked in congressional funding bill: millions for Westover taxiway design
When lawmakers voted this week to end the federal government shutdown, they also approved funds for a project at Westover Air Reserve Base that aims to boost safety at the facility that supports some of the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's fleet.
U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sought $3.7 million in congressional earmarks for the design of a taxiway extension at the airport in Chicopee. It was included in a package of military construction funding — $19.7 billion in all — that was included in the legislation to end the 43-day government shutdown.
Currently, aircraft taking off from Runway 05 travel down a portion of the runway, or "back-taxi," before launching themselves into the air. Reducing the amount of time aircraft occupy the runway increases safety at the airport.
"Westover Air Reserve Base is a major economic driver for Western Massachusetts and our entire state," said Gov. Maura T. Healey in a statement. "It plays a critical role in enhancing our national security, creates jobs and spurs economic activity. I'm grateful to Senators Warren and Markey for securing this funding for Westover and for the efforts of our Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, Mayor (John) Vieau and Westover Metro Airport's Andy Wider to advocate for it."
The funds for Westover were part of the $89.7 million the senators sought for military bases in Massachusetts. Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford is slated to receive $55 million for a fire station, for instance.
Master Sgt. Seth Logsdon, spokesperson for 439th Airlift Wing, which is stationed at Westover, said Wednesday that the people most familiar with the project were furloughed during the shutdown.
He pointed to a 2023 environmental assessment that described the scope of the project: It would extend the taxiway leading to the runway by 3,800 feet, creating an impervious concrete surface of about 16 acres.
The Airlift Wing operates eight Galaxy C-5 aircraft , which are capable of lifting up to five helicopters and transporting them thousands of miles.
Westover is a joint-use military and civilian airfield. For instance, Westover Metropolitan Airport facilitates charter flights for gamblers .
Andy Widor, airport manager at Westover Metropolitan Airport, said the Department of Defense project would extend the taxiway to make it fully parallel with a runway at the airport.
"It would be utilized by civilian and military aircraft," said Widor.
Not only would the construction of the taxiway extension create jobs, it would also give the civilian airport "more opportunity for development," Widor said, which could lead to more permanent jobs.
"It's a win-win for both communities," Widor said.
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