The state Bond Commission approved $7 million for upgrades to southwestern Connecticut's only airport - Sikorsky Airport.

The airport sits in Stratford, but Bridgeport actually owns it.

Airport manager Michelle Muoio says with the money, she's hoping commercial passenger service can once again take off after stopping in the 90s.

The money from the state will be used to repave a second runway - which is critical for any new service.

"This money is an absolutely wonderful opportunity. We're so appreciative," says Muoio.

The excitement isn't taking off with everyone, though - some neighbors in Stratford still have noise concerns.

In the Lordship neighborhood, they're also worried about traffic.

"There's accidents on that road all the time, so that really poses a problem. But at the same time, if I could catch a flight from there, rather than going to JFK, that would also be pretty nice, too," says Lauren Borghini, of Stratford.

Gov. Ned Lamont says Sikorsky can grow and be a good neighbor.

"I think Sikorsky has the opportunity to be a really important regional airport. I think you see some distribution facilities there. We've got to work with the neighbors. I want to make sure we get this right," he says.

Next week, Sikorsky adds charter flights to New York City on Tailwind Air - but the airport faces stiff competition.

Tweed Airport in New Haven is adding new flights, and Breeze Airways, which was planning a move to Sikorsky, has since landed at Bradley Airport.

Muoio says she thinks there's room for everyone.

"I don't think it has to be an all-or-nothing approach. We each have our individual markets," she says.

UConn is currently conducting a study on Sikorsky's future. There are no plans to extend either of the runways there.