Gnoss Field runway expansion makes sense
PLANS TO extend the runway at Gnoss Field, the county's airport, have had an interminable journey through the planning process.
A longer runway at Gnoss makes sense.
The county needs to make sure the airport can safely handle growing demand and modern aircraft. A longer runway will do that. One in seven planes now using Gnoss can't carry full passenger and cargo loads because the runway isn't long enough.
The county has completed two required environmental studies on its plan to add 1,100 feet to the 3,300-foot runway at Gnoss. The additional length will make it safer for some aircraft to land and allow the airport to accommodate planes carrying more passengers and more jets. The project has been on the drawing board since the 1990s.
The environmental studies have concluded that the estimated 35 acres of wetlands that would be lost as a result of extension can be replaced by public acquisition and protection of wetlands nearby. That is all well and good, but if county supervisors approve this project, we urge them to make sure that the nearby wetlands and all the wildlife those areas support come out ahead along with relatively few pilots and companies who will benefit from a longer runway.
Gnoss Field, north of Novato, is bordered by Highway 101 and wetlands. For many years, the county had plans to possibly replace Gnoss by turning the massive airstrip at Hamilton Field into a public airport. Public opposition scuttled those plans. The Hamilton runway has been flooded as part of efforts to restore baylands.
In agreeing to drop airport plans for Hamilton, the county followed the urging of some local environmental leaders who said that expansion of the runway at Gnoss would be preferable.
But some people, wary of increased jet traffic or who question whether the work is really needed, have complained about the county's plans for Gnoss.
Environmental studies are helpful, but county supervisors ultimately will have to address those questions and concerns.
Funding from the Federal Aviation Administration will pay for most of the $11 million needed for planning and construction.
Gnoss Field is home to 300 aircraft and there are 95,000 takeoffs and landings there each year.
The release of environmental reports on the runway expansion is an important step toward a longer runway becoming a reality.
This project has been in a holding pattern for far too long.
reports, A hearing, how to offer feedback
* County and FAA environmental reports on the proposed 1,100-foot runway extension are available at the county public works office at the Marin Civic Center, public libraries throughout Marin and online at tinyurl.com/gnossair .* A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Marin Civic Center. Written comments on both reports may be submitted by 4 p.m. Feb. 6 to Doug Pomeroy, Federal Aviation Administration, San Francisco Airports District Office, 1000 Marina Blvd. Suite 200, Brisbane CA 94005 or by fax to 650-872-1430.
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