Massachusetts Port Authority

The Board meeting addressed several critical items, including the swearing-in of elected members for a new term. Key decisions included granting an application for accidental disability retirement for one member and accepting a $23,000 lump sum settlement from the Authority to cover liability for another member's accidental disability retirement. Investment reviews featured presentations from PRIM regarding real estate and private equity portfolios, noting plan assets of approximately $166 million as of September 30, 2025, and strong historical performance. Wilshire Advisors presented the 4th Quarter 2025 investment performance analysis, showing a total fund gain of approximately 2.1% for the quarter and 15.4% for the one-year, with total plan assets at $1.09 billion as of December 31, 2025. The Board also authorized attendance at several 2026 educational conferences and approved various January vouchers totaling $4,835,178.05. Additionally, the Board approved four Superannuation Retirement applications effective in February 2026. Finally, the Board denied a request from a member, David M. Domingo, to change his post-retirement beneficiary designation under Option C due to legal constraints regarding his marriage date relative to his retirement effective date, and adopted a retiree direct deposit change policy.

The meeting covered numerous strategic and operational topics, beginning with comments from the Chair and a report from the CEO detailing the agency's response to a significant snowstorm, highlighting preparation and employee commitment. Key agenda items included a strategic plan timeline, customer satisfaction anecdotes such as proactively safeguarding a vehicle left on a garage roof and Legal Sea Foods earning top restaurant recognition, and an update on Logan Airport passenger volume (25.2M YTD, 2.7% below forecast) amidst economic uncertainty. Financial performance showed revenues ahead of budget for Q1+Q2 FY26, while leadership updates covered a large-scale employee leadership development program, Black History Month recognition, and the Board Chair receiving an award. Environmental efforts focused on converting equipment to Renewable Diesel and the Terminal E Modernization Project achieving LEED Platinum certification. Maritime operations provided year-end business activity updates for Conley Terminal and Flynn Cruiseport, alongside detailed productivity metrics. A significant focus was placed on the $4.1 billion FY26-FY30 Capital Investment Plan (CIP), detailing planned investments across Logan, Hanscom, Worcester, Maritime, and REAM, with over 40% dedicated to ground transportation needs. Priorities included safety and security projects like the Runway 9-27 Safety Area Improvements and the Air Traffic Control Tower Program, planning for growth projects such as the Braintree Logan Express Garage/Remote Terminal, customer experience enhancements like the A to B Post Security Connector, and financial performance investments like the North Service Area Program. The Board also addressed the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) and the Oracle Fusion Cloud Implementation Services contract amendment.

The meeting agenda included reports from the CEO and Director of Aviation, covering customer satisfaction initiatives from 2025, including data-driven improvements, upgraded terminal facilities, and new calming programming. Financial performance through November FY26 was reviewed. Key approvals involved recommending a revised partial program budget of $35 million for Phase II of the Massport Infrastructure Condition Assessment (MICA) and Capital Investments, and approving a partial project budget of $19 million for the Snow Fence Project at Logan International Airport. The Board was asked to authorize negotiations for new Logan Express Facility Management Operating Agreements for Braintree, Danvers, and Framingham, effective April 1, 2026. Additionally, the Board considered delegating authority to the CEO to implement the Flynn Cruiseport Boston Incentive Program for cruise seasons 2025 through 2029 to support projected passenger growth. Updates were also provided on the Logan Airport Signage Update project, industry mergers, and commendations for staff regarding public safety training and heroic actions.

Key discussions included public opposition regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations at Hanscom Field, and appreciation for the recent minimum wage increase for Logan Airport employees. The CEO reported on the Strategic Plan timeline, prioritizing customer satisfaction, using data for targeted improvements, and providing updates on FY26 financial performance. The Director of Aviation presented on 2025 holiday travel volumes, noting modest growth at Christmas and a drop at Thanksgiving, with Logan ending CY25 with 43.2M passengers. The Board appointed Michelle Kalowski to Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, Corporate and Regulatory. Safety and Security updates covered hosting public safety training for major 2026 events and commending a Trooper for heroic actions. Infrastructure updates involved authorizing up to $35,000,000 for the Massport Infrastructure Condition Assessment Project (MPA A426 and A427) and authorizing up to $19,000,000 for the Snow Fence on Elevated Roadways Structures Project (MPA L1842). The Board approved facility operations and management service agreements for Braintree, Danvers, and Framingham Logan Express facilities, awarding contracts to SP Plus LLC and Laz Parking Limited, LLC. Furthermore, the Board authorized the implementation of the Flynn Cruiseport Boston Incentive Program to drive passenger and financial growth through the 2029 cruise season. Finally, the Bulk Corporate Monthly parking rate for South Boston Parking Facilities was adjusted to a rate range effective February 1, 2026. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to consider real property value.

The public session of the meeting included commentary during the Public Comment section regarding environmental impacts from the North Airfield Hangar Development at Hanscom Field, and support for or opposition to the proposed increase in ground access fees at Logan Airport affecting TNC drivers. Key business items involved approving the FY25 - FY29 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) totaling $3.8B. The Authority also voted to implement substantial increases and adjustments to various rates and fees effective July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2027, covering TNC Trip Fees, commercial ground transportation services base rates, commercial parking rates, online discount parking rates, Logan Gold Parking Express Program rates, and employee parking rates. Furthermore, the Authority declared an Official Intent to reimburse capital expenditures for airport or port purposes, up to a maximum principal amount of $475,519,000, from future bond proceeds. An agreement was authorized with McGinn Bus Company to provide bus operations and maintenance services for the Danvers Logan Express for a five-year term, not to exceed $20,000,000.