Friday, May 25,
2001
|
|
|
Kenn pushes mitigation plan as answer to runway By JOHN
THOMPSON
The political posturing over a proposed fifth runway at Hartsfield International Airport revved up last week. Airport officials have already received approval to build the runway, but are looking for the green light to extend it from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. During last week's Fulton County Commission meeting, the board passed a resolution sponsored by Chairman Mike Kenn that directs county staff to work with the people of South Fulton County to produce a mitigation plan in response to the expansion of the fifth runway. Commissioner Bill Edwards had proposed a resolution opposing plans for extending the runway, but he did not garner any support from North Fulton commissioners and the measure was defeated. Kenn's spokesman, Michael Harris, said the chairman's plan would give some voice to South Fulton residents who are concerned about the runway. The plan marks the first attempt by Fulton County to actively seek ways to reduce the harmful effects of the airport expansion, he said. While Fulton County lacks any legal hammer to stop the expansion, Kenn still believes that there are steps that the county can take to protect its citizens. The mitigation plan would encompass: A transportation plan reflecting the impact of the runway during and after construction; Inverse condemnation and replacement costs for lost property values as a result of the extension of the runway; Reduction of acceptable noise level standards; Partnership for the future of the South Fulton economy, including investment in educational and vocational assistance; Solicitation of agreements with the city of Atlanta to not construct a sixth runway. "The Airport Authority needs to be a responsible party during this process by acknowledging the harmful affect this expansion will cause the citizens of Fulton County. And, it must go farther. It must work with Fulton County to reduce those things that affect our citizens' quality of life," said Kenn. Kenn plans to receive the report no later than in 60 days, and will then analyze how best to proceed, he said. Edwards said last week he doesn't believe Atlanta will ever truly mitigate the effects of the airport on South Fulton citizens, and vowed to continue to fight against expansion of the fifth runway
Back to South Fulton News Home Page | Back to the top of the page |