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Crucial All Voices Be Heard

How can we stand by as reckless over-development, financed by global investment firms, degrades our watershed, threatens already over-stretched tax-payers, and removes our fragile marshlands for their own profit?

As a resident of Short Beach in Branford, I am writing to express concerns that many citizens of Branford, like me, have not been fairly or adequately informed about the proposed expansion of Tweed Airport, nor its potential impact on our health, the community as a whole, and our fragile ecosystem. To date, I have not received a single official notification from the Tweed Airport Authority or the town of East Haven that would give concerned citizens- who must bear the long-range human, environmental and financial costs- a voice in this process.

I understand an FAA Environmental Assessment is underway, but that will be insufficient without a full EIS (Environmental Impact Study), as required by NEPA, to adequately evaluate (1) the safety and sustainability of human and environmental health; (2) clearly articulate potential long-term benefits and plans to address the detrimental aspects of the project; (3) provide full disclosure about the scope of the project to the entire community and (4) invite debate, full participation, and candid response from ALL citizens impacted by this decision.

It is crucial that all of our voices be heard and that our precious natural resources be preserved.

Linda Cummings

Branford