Town Selectmen and Engineer to Request Reconsideration from Massachusetts Airport Commission for Access Road Paving Funds – August 15, 1947
NORWOOD — The recent state rejection of Norwood’s request for matching funds to pave the access road to the Metropolitan Airport took center stage at Tuesday’s meeting of the Selectmen. Town Engineer Albert W. Thompson announced plans to formally present a request for reconsideration at the upcoming meeting of the Massachusetts Airport Commission.
Norwood has already earmarked $6,200 for the project—representing 25 percent of the total estimated cost. The town is seeking matching funds from both state and federal governments to reach a total project budget of $24,800, structured as 25 percent municipal, 25 percent state, and 50 percent federal contributions.
Fred Tobey, publicity director for Wiggins Airways, emphasized the critical urgency of improving the access road, noting that the half-mile stretch leading from Neponset Street into the airport is currently nearly impassable and has already disabled two automobiles. Tobey also highlighted severe infrastructure deficiencies at the facility, pointing out that while a local well has been constructed, it provides water solely for drinking and washing purposes, leaving the airport entirely without fire protection. Constructing an additional well would still fail to meet emergency fire safety needs, making state and federal assistance vital.
Federal and state allocation details shed light on why Norwood’s initial request was deferred. According to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Boston office, Norwood’s application was placed on the priority list, but national funds were exhausted before its turn arrived. For the 1947–1948 funding cycle, Massachusetts received a regular state allocation of $940,017 plus $418,933 in discretionary funds out of a nationwide congressional appropriation of $32.5 million. Local CAA authorities explained that discretionary funds, which comprise 25 percent of the national total, can be drawn upon to supplement state requests if local needs exceed standard apportionments, offering hope for Norwood’s upcoming appeal.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger
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