Runway extension draws questions
Concerns about the finality of a proposed runway extension at the Connellsville Airport drew a crowd of about 20 neighboring property owners to Wednesday’s special meeting of the Fayette County Airport Authority. Many of those in attendance were concerned that a decision had already been made regarding which way and how long the runway will be extended. Authority chairman Robert Schiffbauer said the authority wants to come up with a plan that is compatible to everyone, but stressed that the process is in its infancy. “There is no determination where the extension will be,” he said.
Gene Lakin, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority who is contracted with the authority, said the authority is in the process of completing Phase II of the Master Plan, which may be approved by May or June by the Bureau of Aviation.
He said part of the plan will be trying to justify if “runway improvements” are needed. Lakin said if an extension is planned, an environmental assessment will be conducted and then public input will be sought. He said there will likely be seven meetings in which the public will have the opportunity to comment.
In response to concerns that the path of the proposed runway extension has been decided, Schiffbauer said they are “starting from scratch.” Transportation consultant William Piper said among the alternatives that will be studied in the environmental assessment is a “no build alternative.”
Although Lakin said it is undecided how long the runway extension may be, he said the current length of 3,800 feet might extend to 5,000 feet. Other concerns raised by those in attendance included a fear that properties will be taken.
Authority member Martin Griglak said the authority is interested in establishing a “good faith relationship” with the neighboring residents. Lakin said nothing is going to happen for at least 12 months or more. Piper echoed Lakin’s sentiments.
“Nothing will happen overnight. It’s a long, detailed process,” Piper said.
Griglak said the objective of the authority is for the economic development of the county. He refuted an assertion that everything is being done for Joe Hardy and Nemacolin Woodlands, while acknowledging that Nemacolin Woodlands is important to the future of the county.
A pronouncement that Hardy had provided $3 million to airport was quickly disputed.
In agenda items, the authority voted to place seven consultants on a “short list” to perform projects for the first four years of a 12-year master plan for the airport.
A total of 29 separate projects are listed for the airport, including the eventual runway extension. Other projects include building and hangar improvements, access road upgrades and water and sewage improvements.
Schiffbauer reported that 18 consultants submitted proposals. Lakin said the authority needs to select the firms that have experience with airports, and more specifically the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Aviation.
Both Lakin and Piper provided the authority with lists recommending which firms to select.
The authority then voted to select the seven firms of Michael Baker Jr. Inc.; Delta Airport Consultants; Kimball & Associates; Lee Simpson; PBS&J; RV&B/CHA and Widmer Engineering. Kimball was included in the list although authority member Jesse Wallace said he didn’t want the firm included because of past problems.
Schiffbauer said the past problems can be considered during the interview process. Authority member Fred Davis gave a favorable endorsement of Delta prior to the vote.
The seven firms will be called in for interviews and from those firms approximately three will be selected.
Lakin suggested that the authority separate the projects into “airside and landside.” He said each project on the four-year plan will be specifically assigned once the final consultants are selected.
The authority selected next Thursday as the date to call in the seven firms to explain the scope of work to them.
The technical proposals from the firms will be due on Monday, Feb. 17 and the interview schedule will be determined at the Feb. 18 meeting. The final selections will be made at the March meeting of the authority.
In other business, a motion was approved for McCormick/Taylor to perform additional environmental work at the site that is slated for the Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation hub. The stipulation is that FACT will pay McCormick/Taylor the $15,439.78 for the work.
The authority held an end-of-meeting executive session to discuss vacation, holidays and sick days for employees.