House Republican Press Release

November 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP: SUPPORTS GOVERNOR RELL AND AG’S CALL TO JOIN LAWSUIT AGAINST THE FAA AIRSPACE REDESIGN PLAN

NEW CANAAN- Representative John Stripp, R-135 today joined Governor Jodi Rell and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to announce the state has filed its own lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace redesign plan, joining lawsuits by area Fairfield County communities.

The FAA last month approved a plan which redirects planes on descent to LaGuardia Airport over southern Fairfield County and areas of New York at peak travel times.

New Canaan, Greenwich, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Wilton, Weston, Westport, Ridgefield and Pound Ridge N.Y., formed the Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning, and have together hired legal counsel.

Rep. Stripp said, "I'm glad to have the strong support of my Governor and state Attorney General for this issue of great importance to my constituents. The problem with this process is the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) has been insensitive to our communities’ concerns and the effect this redesign will have on the area. 

“Connecticut’s quality of life should not be compromised for the sake of safe and efficient travel when other acceptable alternatives have not been properly explored. The FAA environmental impact statement does not take in to account: noise impacts, open space, or emissions,” concluded Rep. Stripp.