Runway plans reviewed (11/26/07)

Jay County Commissioners got an early look this morning at what drainage plans might look like for a runway expansion at Portland Municipal Airport.

Representatives from Woolpert Engineering, Indianapolis, sat down with the commissioners - who comprise the county drainage board - and county surveyor Brad Daniels to discuss preliminary planning for the project.

Drawings outlined a 1,000-foot addition to the existing runway, which would up its total length to 5,000 feet.

An extended taxiway also was included in the plans, as was a dry detention pond to help with runoff, said Chris Snyder a consultant with the engineering firm.

A dry detention pond would be used instead of a wet one to avoid attracting wildlife, Snyder told commissioners.

Woolpert reps said the company would return to speak with commissioners in March or April to discuss developments in the project and potentially bring final plans before the drainage board.

If everything goes according to plan, Snyder said, bids for construction could be sent out in the summer.

The Portland Aviation Board is attempting to acquire the land necessary for the expansion.

The parcels that would be required for the expansion are owned by Charles "Chuck" Shreeve and Justin Schafer.

Shreeve owns 45.91 acres, appraised at $321,000, and Schafer owns 9.10 acres that appraised for $86,000.

The aviation board has met in executive session several times over the past several months to discuss what it has termed "pending litigation."

Glynn Barber, a member of the aviation board, also attended this morning's drainage board meeting.

He said he and other members of the aviation board had viewed the drainage plans and liked what they saw.

"As a board, we've gone over everything and we think it's a great plan," Barber said.

Separately, Commissioner Faron Parr received a two-year appointment from his fellow commissioners to be a member of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission. Milo Miller Jr., president of the commissioners, will serve as an alternate in case of Parr's absence.

The commission's mission, is to "protect and enhance the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources and encourage sustainable development of the corridor," which "will be accomplished by stimulating public interest, encouraging the exchange of information, and supporting the establishment of common goals and cooperative actions of people and communities within the Wabash River Heritage Corridor," according to its Web site.

The river runs through 19 Indiana counties, including Jay County.

Parr, currently in his third year of service on the commission, said grant money could be available through the commission to help build a raised trail along the portion of the river located in Jay County.

While providing a recreational opportunity for residents, he said, it could also serve as a small levy to limit flooding in the New Corydon area.

The commission usually meets about once a month, Parr said.[[In-content Ad]]