Federal And State Funds To Cover Most Of Purchase Price

With a favorable report from a private study, significant community support, and federal and state funds available for the purchase, all indicators point toward finalization of a deal for the purchase of Robertson Airport (4B8) by the city of Plainville, CT in 2009.

The Hartford Courant reports Plainville officials have reached an agreement with airport owner Tomasso Brothers Inc. on a purchase price of $5.8 million. Pending negotiations on the purchase of an adjacent 25,000 square-foot hangar owned by Victor Tomasso for another $1.5 to $2 million, the issue will be bought to public referendum this year.

The Federal Aviation Administration is prepared to kick in funds covering ninety-five percent of the cost, and with the state of Connecticut contributing another 3.75 percent, the city of Plainville would only have to come up with a little less than $100,000 to close the deal.

Plainville Town Manager Robert Lee said, "They aren't making any more airports. The FAA considers Robertson as a critical acquisition," helping to ease the burden on busy hub airports. "For the community, it's an opportunity to preserve a landmark." The city's purchase of the property is also seen as a victory by locals seeking to keep out land developers.

The only requirement to get the funding is that the city agrees to keep the airport open. Longtime Robertson operator Interstate Aviation is expected to lease facilities from the city, as it has from Tomasso for over 30 years.

Interstate's Bob Nardiello indicated the company is content to remain. "We run a charter business, the flight instruction business, we sell kerosene and gasoline, and we've been around a long time," he said. "The [aircraft] maintenance shop has been in business 35 years."

Robertson Airport began its long history in 1911, making it Connecticut's oldest airport. It is named in honor of Stamford Robertson, a World War II veteran who renovated and updated the airport in 1947.

FMI: www.plainvillect.com