Runway Proposal Meets
Environmental Guidelines, FAA Says
ATHENS, Ohio (August 16, 2000) -- The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a "finding of no significant impact," or FONSI, in response to Ohio University's request to extend its airport runway.
The Environmental Assessment submitted by the university was approved last month by the FAA's Detroit regional office.
The decision stated that, "After careful and thorough consideration of the facts contained therein, the (FAA) finds that the proposed federal action is consistent with the existing national and environmental policies and objectives ... and that it will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment ..."
The FAA approved the university's request to extend the existing airport runway in Albany from 4,200 feet to 5,600 feet, and to extend a parallel taxiway.
"We will continue to work with the Albany community and keep them informed as the project progresses," Pam Parker, assistant vice president for external affairs.
The university will carefully follow the mitigation measures outlined by the FAA, Parker added, including an assurance that fair consideration is given to the interests of nearby communities and that the project complies with an array of state and federal requirements, including environmental and species protection measures, historical preservation guidelines, and air and water quality standards.
"The planned extension of the runway will be great an asset for the entire region," said Bill Arnett, President, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council. "Counties in this part of the state are starting to work together in an effort to attract new private sector investment, and the runway extension will help strengthen our ever improving regional transportation system."
Copies of the environmental decision and the background data on which the decision is based are available for public review at the following locations: Federal Aviation Administration Airports District Office, Willow Run Airport, East, 8820 Beck Road, Belleville, MI; Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation, 2829 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, Ohio; Ohio University Office of Facilities Planning, The Ridges; Office of Legal Affairs, Pilcher House, Athens, and the Wells Public Library, Albany, Ohio.
