Long-Planned Improvements to Athens Municipal Airport FinallyMoving Forward

[Colleen Turner <turner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

December 10, 2003

Long-Planned Improvements to Airport Finally Moving Forward
Athens Daily Review, TX

 
It has taken awhile, but the planned improvement to the airport is finally 
moving forward -- with more money on hand than originally available.

Athens Municipal Airport was awarded a $115,000 Airport Development Grant in 
2002 and planned to do some general dirt work and cleanup on the grounds. But 
after the grant was awarded, airport board members and engineers had to go 
through a long process to set the specifications for the grant improvements. 
That took longer than expected, said Athens Director of Public Works Don 
Herriage.

"It's really been a slow-moving process," he said.

Meanwhile, another grant year rolled around and the state agreed to give Athens 
$153,000 in grant money instead of $103,500.

Now, the work is about to begin. The city must go out for bids on the projects. 
How much work is done will depend on how the bids come in.  
The city must put in matching funds of $17,000, bringing the total amount 
designated for the project to 170,000. Monday night, the city approved the 
budget adjustment that will allow the matching funds to be paid.

The improvement project will involve leveling the ground between the runway and 
the taxiway, said Herriage. The ground is higher than the runway, which causes 
drainage problems in the area. The area near the existing hangars will also be 
grated and some dirt work will be done in an area earmarked for future hangar 
expansion. Then, if there is enough money left over, some drainage work may be 
done in the hangar area.

In other grant-related business, the city council agreed Monday to apply to a 
Texas Traffic Safety Program Grant. That grant, which is also awarded through 
the state, would allow the city to step up its DWI program.

Grant award announcements will not be made until next fall. If the city's 
application is approved, Athens will receive $60,508 in funds, said City 
Administrator Pam Burton.

"It's pretty much to pay for overtime for DWI enforcement," said Burton.  
 
The city also approved a trade agreement with the East Texas Police Academy. 
The Athens Police Department has two vehicles that can no longer be used on the 
streets. Normally, the city would sell those cars at an auction. However, the 
city has been contacted by the academy, which has asked the city to donate the 
cars.

In exchange for the two vehicles, the academy will give the Athens police force 
$2,000 worth of training at the academy.  
 
   Post your opinion on this story in the CAA General Aviation Forum
http://www.californiaaviation.org/dc/dcboard.php

*****************************************