Cape Cod Gateway Airport Project Reviews Upcoming: What To Know

HYANNIS, MA — The Cape Cod Gateway Airport is preparing to undergo a serious facelift, including an update to the airport's master plan and a $25 million construction project.

But first, airport officials must go through a number of steps, which included a public meeting in late October.

Last week, the airport provided an update following that meeting, which includes next steps taking place as soon as this week.

According to officials, the proposed projects will begin review by the Massachusetts Environment Policy Act office. This comes after the Environmental Notification Form, which briefly describes the proposed improvement projects, any impacts, and proposed mitigation, was submitted on Nov. 30.

Next comes an environmental monitor scheduled for Dec. 7. An MEPA consultation session is expected to be held this month as well, with a date to be announced at least a week before the meeting.

Another public meeting is also scheduled, this time for Feb. 14, 2023.

Construction Project

The proposed $25 million construction project aims to give needed repairs to a runway at the airport and replace the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a system which, according to the FAA "uses crushable material placed at the end of a runway to stop an aircraft that overruns the runway."

Airport officials say construction upgrades will improve safety and usability at the airport for both passengers and employees.

Funding for the project is coming largely from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation at a mark of 95 percent. The airport will fund the remaining five percent.

Work should be completed within one construction season, beginning in March 2023 and wrapping up in October 2023.

Master Plan

Cape Cod Gateway Airport officials completed an update to the airport’s Master Plan to "ensure that the facility can continue to meet current and future aviation safety and efficiency requirements" in May.

Officials said a master plan is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to plan for the future and highlight airport projects in need of federal funding, including rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. The plan will "provide the framework needed to guide future airport development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand, while considering potential environmental and socioeconomic issues."

Officials are expected to spend up to two years coordinating with state, federal and local agencies to ensure that the plan meets the environmental review requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), and the Cape Cod Commission.