CT HB05467

Amends Section 13b-50a to establish four initiatives for preserving Connecticut's privately owned, publicly used airports with paved runways and minimum 5,000 annual operations: state right of first refusal to purchase threatened airports, acquisition of development rights, state funding for 90% of capital improvement costs, and airport zoning regulations with noise mitigation programs.

Removes previous language requiring federal obstruction determinations and prohibiting construction of navigation hazards within airport imaginary surfaces.

Establishes a noise mitigation program in airport neighborhoods where noise exceeds Federal Aviation Administration standards, with funding from available federal resources and potential coordination with energy conservation programs.

Requires the Department of Transportation to set aside not less than 30% of noise mitigation projects and contracts for veterans with wartime service, excluding training time, who are certified in weatherization and insulation techniques or work for companies employing such certified veterans.

Effective July 1, 2012.