Audit Provides Recommendations to MassDOT Aeronautics Division

12:00PM / Sunday, July 03, 2022Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — In an audit of Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division, the Office of State Auditor (OSA) found the Aeronautics Division failed to meet a number of administrative requirements.

The audit found the Aeronautics Division does not have a business continuity plan (BCP) or an internal control plan (ICP). The audit also noted that not all employees signed acceptable use policies and/or completed cyber security awareness training.

Additionally, it was noted that policies and procedures related to the Aeronautics Division's pilot program for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) should be strengthened.

"In two previous audits of the Aeronautics Division, the Office of the State Auditor found that the division had not documented and tested a BCP to restore mission-critical and essential business functions in the event of an emergency. It is disappointing that the division has not put in place an active plan. Without such a plan, staff members may not be trained in performing critical recovery efforts," said State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump. "I am pleased some action is being taken to ensure the BCP is developed and implemented as a result of our audit."

The audit suggests that the Aeronautics Division develop and implement both a BCP and ICP. The audit also recommends that Aeronautic Division require personnel to complete new hire and annual cybersecurity awareness training, monitor completion of this training and require all personnel to sign the "Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources" policy. Furthermore, the audit recommends that the Aeronautics Division immediately develop and implement policies and procedures to address organizational emergency response and drone inventory tracking.

The division received $20,486,000 of total funding in FY'20 and $14,916,000 of total funding in FY'21. The Aeronautics Division Drone Program received $3,380,000 of that funding in FY'20 and $4,625,000 in FY'21.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT's) Aeronautics Division, formerly known as the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, is authorized by Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The division has jurisdiction over 35 of the Commonwealth's 38 public-use airports. It does not have jurisdiction over activities at Logan International Airport, Worcester Airport, and Hanscom Field, which are owned and operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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