Airport commission reviews ATC pole-replacement plans, declines extra local review after FAA clearance

The Middleton Airport Commission reviewed plan sets and a Federal Aviation Administration no-hazard determination for ATC’s planned replacement of transmission poles along Highway 14 and concluded the FAA’s finding is sufficient unless a later, active project warrants further local review.

Brian, who presented the consultant packet and the FAA letter, told the commission he included the materials he received and would answer questions but that the FAA document was the main clearance the staff had obtained. "I included in the packet the information I received back, which included a letter of no hazard determination from the FAA and a couple of plan sets," Brian said.

Commission members raised a question about whether taller poles near Highway 14 would limit a possible future north–south runway or an instrument landing system. One member noted that an existing radio transmission tower and proposed tall buildings nearer the airport would be more limiting. Another member said the FAA’s review focuses on safety and standards and that the FAA had, in this instance, "done what needs to be done." The commission agreed that, absent an objection or a specific active project to evaluate, no additional local motion or formal review was needed.

Staff noted the project timeline indicated construction would begin in August, and commissioners asked to be kept informed if circumstances changed. The commission did not take a formal motion on the item and directed staff to monitor the project and report back if new information or objections emerged.