MassPort Negotiations

Today's paper:

Learned that negotiations are under way between the city and the Massachusetts Port Authority on a new agreement for the operation of Worcester Regional Airport. The current deal expires next year. Mr. O’Brien said preliminary discussions with Massport have been productive, with both parties setting ground rules for the negotiations to go forward. He said he hopes a new deal can be close to fruition by next spring when the city’s budget season begins. “We have a true partner in Massport new CEO Tom Kinton,” Mr. O’Brien said. “He has a true understanding in the value of our airport to this city and the region.” Under the current deal, Massport is picking up the tab for 68 percent of the operating deficit at the airport.

Lets hope the negotiations include an outirght sale of ORH to MassPort or a 99 year lease to MassPort. We have already had a 5 year followed by the current 3 year agreement. Although we should be thanking MassPort for the financial assistance, losing $2,000,000 an average per year w/o any commercial service can hardly be considered a success.