Several southwestern Connecticut community leaders are considering legal action after federal officials approved a new flight plan over the region.

The eight communities that would be affected have been fighting the plan for some time. Residents are worried about safety, noise and pollution. They say the airspace over southwestern Connecticut is already congested and the flight plan would put up to 150 additional planes in the sky.

Darien First Selectwoman Evonne Klein believes if enough opposition is raised in Congress it could have a lasting effect. She says she plans to meet state leaders and representatives in Washington in the near future to discuss a course of action.

New Canaan First Selectwoman Judy Neville says she?s ready to pursue legal action to defeat the plan. Klein also says that the adopted FAA flight plan isn't expected to go into effect anytime soon. ?From what I understand there will be some gradual changes?the full-blown plan will not be in effect until 2011,? says Klein.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal released a statement saying the FAA?s decision can be legally defeated because of its harmful effect on the environment and residents? quality of life.

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