The towns of Hull, Hingham and Cohasset claimed that the proposed runway would increase their air and noise pollution in their lawsuit against the Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees the airport. The lawsuit was one of the last hopes the towns had of preventing the runway. This past summer the Federal Aviation Administration approved the new runway with the stipulation that it be used only under very windy conditions.
According to Barbara Platt, spokesperson for Massport, both sides in the case asked the judge for a summary decision. "We're pleased with the decision," she tells GlobeSt.com.
But Massport is not out of the woods yet. A 28-year old injunction needs to be lifted before construction on the runway can start. The trial for that case is scheduled for this coming January.
James Lampke, attorney for the town of Hull, tells GlobeSt.com that while the towns are obviously disappointed by the judge's decision, the fight to prevent the runway is "by no means over. We still feel the allegations have merit. These are issues that still need to be worked on." Lampke says that the towns are now exploring their options, one of which is to appeal the verdict. "That decision has not yet been made," he notes.
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