Oak Ridge council expands airport‑study contract, cites outside funding and confidentiality around potential sites

Oak Ridge City Council voted to expand a professional services agreement with Goodwin Mills Cawood to add aeronautical forecasting, an updated airport layout plan and other technical work for a proposed Oak Ridge General Aviation Airport.

City staff and the manager said the additional work — and the $99,495 increase in the contract — is part of due diligence to identify feasible alternate sites. The manager emphasized that the funding for the effort comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission and not from local taxpayer dollars.

“Until we have explored a site and people have said what site we’re exploring, we really cannot discuss the location,” the manager said, explaining confidentiality concerns: consultants will compile site options and recommendations before the council or public learns precise locations.

During public comment Robert Kennedy (identified himself to the council) characterized the airport idea as an outdated project and urged council to reconsider whether it is the right use of land; other speakers urged careful study. Council members asked staff about scope, prior work, and the reason for a fresh look; staff cited changed economic conditions and new investment in the area since the earlier airport discussions.

Council approved the contract amendment and the expanded scope; staff said additional site‑specific information will be returned to council once consultant work is complete and a recommended site is identified.