(Scenic Hudson photo)

STEWART AIRPORT – Port Authority officials Tuesday mapped out their sustainability plan for Stewart Airport with members of the airport’s Community Advisory Panel and a number of invited environmental authorities.

They learned of the Port’s plans for sustainable growth as well as heard recommendations from the locals.

Scenic Hudson Senior Vice President Steven Rosenberg, who attended, said there were suggestions for sustainable growth.

The ideas included the Port Authority having a full-time sustainability officer at the airport, who would manage and coordinate the initiatives making sure there was an opportunity for continuous public input; having a report card that the Port would make available annually.

The environmentalists also discussed preservation of land adjacent to or near the airport, despite the fact that the Stewart State Forest already has preserved some 6,000 of land.

The Port Authority has already announced plans to purchase carbon offsets, install light emitting diode (LED) airfield taxiway edge lights, use hybrid vehicles and have a stormwater pollution prevention plan in place.

Orange County Citizens Foundation President Nancy Proyect was pleased with what the Port already has planned, including rain gardens in the new parking lot.