In the News

Construction for the Taxiway B South project at Barnes Air National Guard Base will soon be underway.

According to the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport manager, this $32 million project will benefit the 104th Fighter Wing, and the municipal side of the airport, making airfield safety better for civilian and military operations. Plans for Taxiway B South include relocating and reconstructing the route, along with its lighting, signage, and pavement markings.

The project will be finished in November consisting of three main components:

·         Realigning and widening of Taxiway B South

·         Realigning and widening of Taxiway E

·         Reconstructing and expanding the South Arm Apron

Congressman Richard Neal and the State’s Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt attended the ground breaking along with other local and state leaders.

“The Taxiway Bravo South project is going to benefit the 104th Fighter Wing, as well as the municipal side of the airport,” said Col. David ‘Moon’ Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing commander. “This project demonstrates the commitment from the 104th Fighter Wing and Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport to amplify each other’s capabilities and together build a world-class installation that meets the needs of the future. Our relationships here are a shining example of federal, state, and local collaboration to accomplish great things through a shared vision.”

“The Taxiway B South Relocation and Construction Project will enhance the safety of civilian and military aircraft utilizing Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport,” said Christopher Willenborg, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport manager. “We greatly appreciate the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between the five funding agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense National Guard Bureau, Massachusetts Governor Military Taskforce, MassDOT Aeronautics Division, and City of Westfield.”

“Our airports are a vital part of Massachusetts’s transportation network, linking residents, visitors and businesses and spurring economic activity in their communities,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “On behalf of everyone in the community, I want to thank the 104th Fighter Wing and the airport management team for their determination and their ongoing work to bring this vision to life.”

“We congratulate the entire team at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport on this groundbreaking and look forward to supporting them in every way that we can in this endeavor,” said MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator Jeff DeCarlo. “The regional economic importance of Westfield-Barnes cannot be overstated, making this infrastructural upgrade a welcome development for the surrounding community.”

“As a longtime supporter of Barnes and the capable airmen and women who support and defend the Commonwealth and this nation, I was thrilled to join Adjutant General Keefe and Colonel Halasi-Kun last May to announce the assignment of a new fleet of F-35A aircraft to Barnes. Just one year later, we are breaking ground on a project that will prepare Barnes to receive the new aircraft, guaranteeing the long-term viability of the base and ensuring the 104th Fighter Wing can continue its vital mission for years to come,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Ensuring the sustainability of both Barnes Air National Guard Base and Westover Air Reserve Base has been a top priority of mine throughout my time in Congress. I am pleased to partake in the groundbreaking of yet another project, one that will play a vital role in improving airfield safety for civilian and military operations.”