OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Oak Ridge is heading toward its next step in getting a general aviation airport on the west end of town.
City Council voted 7-0 to support the creation of the airport project, which, if it comes to fruition, would be placed at the East Tennessee Technology Park (the former K-25 Site). The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority would be the agency for operations and owner of airport properties and infrastructure.
Providing a recap during this week’s Council meeting, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said a preliminary study was performed earlier and the MKAA is ready to move to the next phase.
The next phase will be more definitive in scope and will be coordinated with the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission next month, according to Watson. He noted this phase would have more to do with design, measurements and noise issues, among other items.
“One question that remains is how the city views land ownership,” the city manager stated.
Watson said the construction site, which is currently controlled by Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee (CROET), is complex and there may be easement-related issues.
“This is a partnership with the state, federal government, CROET and the Knoxville Airport Authority,” remarked Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan. “That doesn’t happen very often.”
Council member Charlie Hensley, who has been involved in the project since its inception and is a pilot himself, said he had attended the aviation academy at the Knoxville airport and said he is “very impressed” with the way that airport operates.
“It’s amazing. It’s very well run,” Hensley said.
Target completion of the airport project will be 2018, depending, of course, on funding and other factors.
In other action, City Council approved a 1.5 percent pay increase for city attorney Ken Krushenski and extended his contract for one year.
Council also approved its “consent agenda,” which included:
• $53,200 to replace the roof on Fire Station No. 3;
• $26,116 for the annual membership dues to the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency;
• $53,800 to renew a contract to conduct an audit of the city’s accounts and funds for fiscal year 2012;
• Authorization of a change order to contracts for the rehabilitation of portions of the wastewater collection and transportation system (to stay in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s administrative order); and
• Adoption of a resolution in support of a grant application to Pet Safe Inc. and making land available for a local dog park.
Beverly Majors can be contacted at (865) 220-5514.
Oak Ridge is heading toward its next step in getting a general aviation airport on the west end of town.
City Council voted 7-0 to support the creation of the airport project, which, if it comes to fruition, would be placed at the East Tennessee Technology Park (the former K-25 Site). The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority would be the agency for operations and owner of airport properties and infrastructure.
Providing a recap during this week’s Council meeting, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said a preliminary study was performed earlier and the MKAA is ready to move to the next phase.
The next phase will be more definitive in scope and will be coordinated with the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission next month, according to Watson. He noted this phase would have more to do with design, measurements and noise issues, among other items.
“One question that remains is how the city views land ownership,” the city manager stated.
Watson said the construction site, which is currently controlled by Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee (CROET), is complex and there may be easement-related issues.
“This is a partnership with the state, federal government, CROET and the Knoxville Airport Authority,” remarked Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan. “That doesn’t happen very often.”
Council member Charlie Hensley, who has been involved in the project since its inception and is a pilot himself, said he had attended the aviation academy at the Knoxville airport and said he is “very impressed” with the way that airport operates.
“It’s amazing. It’s very well run,” Hensley said.
Target completion of the airport project will be 2018, depending, of course, on funding and other factors.
In other action, City Council approved a 1.5 percent pay increase for city attorney Ken Krushenski and extended his contract for one year.
Council also approved its “consent agenda,” which included:
• $53,200 to replace the roof on Fire Station No. 3;
• $26,116 for the annual membership dues to the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency;
• $53,800 to renew a contract to conduct an audit of the city’s accounts and funds for fiscal year 2012;
• Authorization of a change order to contracts for the rehabilitation of portions of the wastewater collection and transportation system (to stay in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s administrative order); and
• Adoption of a resolution in support of a grant application to Pet Safe Inc. and making land available for a local dog park.
Beverly Majors can be contacted at (865) 220-5514.
http://www.oakridger.com/topstories/x681116198/Solid-Support-for-General-Aviation-Airport-in-Oak-Ridge
Source: OAKRIDGER
Date: 2012-06-15