Feb 25, 2003 By Paul Sunyak 3 min read

Hoping to elevate the stature of Connellsville Airport and increase public awareness of long-term development plans, the Fayette County Airport Authority will host a public workshop Wednesday at Penn State Fayette Campus. The 6 to 8 p.m. workshop in the Williams Building student lounge will afford the public an opportunity to learn about the airport’s master plan, as well as provide input into molding that document, said authority chairman Bob Schiffbauer.

“It’s a required meeting. There will probably be up to seven public workshops or public meetings (in this process), one of which may even be a public hearing,” said Schiffbauer, who stressed the importance of public participation in the planning process.

“The master plan is the driving force that will help determine whether a runway extension is warranted,” added Schiffbauer. “One of the options might be that we don’t build (one) at all, which certainly isn’t the one we hope comes about. But there’s still a lot of things that have to be developed to get it to that point.”

Counting the required environmental impact assessment, the master plan development is expected to take 12 to 14 months to complete, said Schiffbauer. Several consultants are working on the project, including prime consultant Benatec Associates, coordinator Lee Simpson Engineering of Dubois and the environmental assessment firm McCormick Taylor Associates.

Although Wednesday’s public meeting and those that follow are likely to attract attendance from property owners near the airport, Schiffbauer said all meetings in the series are open to all county residents interested in airport planning.

“Actually, anybody can come. There are no requirements on who can come. We’re encouraging anybody (to attend) who has any questions or curiosity about what we’re trying to do – or who has any suggestions and input,” said Schiffbauer.

The overarching goal, said Schiffbauer, is to educate people as to what airport authority is trying to do. The master plan is separate from the airport’s 12-year capital improvement plan, which includes nearly 30 improvement projects in its first four years, said Schiffbauer.

He said most of those projects are vital to modernize the airport, which suffered from years of neglect under prior administrations.

“We have a long way to go … it’s sad how that airport in the prior administrations of commissioners was allowed to wither on the vine,” said Schiffbauer. “The airport is not in very good shape right now, and this authority board is trying to change that.”

Part of that process includes making the public aware of what the airport does and how upgrading its operations can foster economic growth throughout the county.

“A lot of people do not understand (the full picture). They know there’s an airport in Fayette County, but (they’re not) actually aware of the facility and what we have to offer,” said Schiffbauer. “We think we’ll have a better airport if we can educate them as to what we want to do.”

After making the airport more functional, Schiffbauer said the board’s long-term view concerns turning the facility into a vibrant economic development tool.

“Take a look at what’s going on in Latrobe, Morgantown, Johnstown. It is significant what can be accomplished when you have an up-to-date airport,” said Schiffbauer. “It can play a very pivotal role in stimulating the economy in the county.

“I know it, our authority knows it, but we want to convey that message to the community so they can get involved and help.”