Airport to hold forum about runway: PROPOSAL MOVES, LENGTHENS GENERAL AVIATION RUNWAY

Sep. 18--A workshop where the public can learn more about and comment on the proposed replacement of Blue Grass Airport's general aviation runway will be held today at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

The public information workshop, to be held in an open-house format from 5 to 7:30 p.m., is part of a government-required environmental-assessment process.

The proposal calls for a longer and relocated general aviation runway that would not intersect with the airport's main runway. The current general aviation runway is 3,500 feet long and intersects with the airport's main 7,000-foot runway.

A slide presentation will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and alternatives to the runway replacement proposal will be mentioned, said airport spokeswoman Amy Caudill. Representatives from the airport and a study team will be available to talk with people about the environmental review. There will be an opportunity to submit written or oral comments.

In 2005, more than two-thirds -- about 45,000 -- of the take-offs and landings at Blue Grass Airport were on the general aviation runway, Caudill said.

A new general aviation runway based on the proposal would mean that there would be additional space for parking and hangars at the airport, according to airport officials.

For more information about the workshop, go to the airport's Web site, www.bluegrassairport.com [http://www.bluegrassairport.com].

Reach Jennifer Hewlett at (859) 231-3308, 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 3308.

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