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Hartford (WTNH) – Decades of dispute appear to be over as New Haven and East Haven come to an agreement about the future of Tweed-New Haven Airport.

The city of New Haven and the town of East Haven have been at odds over the airport for most of the past 40 years.

“I am proud to say that the list of concerns has been met and that was an important part of this agreement,” said Mayor April Capone Almon (D-East Haven).

The two mayors and state lawmakers from both parties came together at the state Capitol today to announce the agreement.

“I think this is where there was a lot of fear that was expressed by the town. It’s had a lot to do with ‘What’s the next step? Where does this end? Are you going to acquire more property,’” said Mayor John DeStefano (D-New Haven).

Under the agreement, runway safety areas will be completed and the taxiway B project. The main runway will be limited to 5,600 feet, obstructions removed and East Haven will have more representation on the Board of Directors.
Also, traffic will be limited to 30 departures a day to service no more than 180,000 enplanements.

None of the airlines will look to expand this year, but the hope is that if the economy comes around next year, Tweed will be ready for more flights to more airline hubs.

“We look at the hubs that are close to New Haven that could include Chicago, Detroit, maybe back to Washington, D.C.,” said Mark Volchek, Chairman, Tweed Airport Authority.