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Board hears FAA mitigation options for runway obstructions; staff to return with plan before end of June
Summary
Town staff and consultant briefed the Select Board on FAA-identified runway obstructions (Huse Mill Road and vehicle traffic); consultants recommended re-routing a short road segment and erecting a gate, while board members expressed concerns and favored signage; a decision is required by the end of June to preserve runway reconstruction funding eligibility.
Town Manager Garrett Corbin, Airport Manager Tom Wallace, and consultant Suzy Sheppard of Hoyle Tanner briefed the Select Board on two north-end runway obstructions that must be addressed to remain eligible for FAA runway reconstruction funding.
Sheppard said the obstructions are the Huse Mill Road and automobile traffic crossing the flight path at the runway's north end. Her recommended mitigations were to re-route a small section of Huse Mill Road on town property — which she described as readily achievable — and to erect a gate to control vehicle traffic. Several Select Board members said a gate would complicate winter plowing and could be more of a nuisance than a solution; members noted existing signage has been effective and could be an alternative mitigation approach.
Staff will continue working with the FAA on mitigation options and return to the Select Board with additional information at the next meeting. The transcript notes the deadline to decide on a mitigation plan for runway reconstruction grant permitting is the end of June.
