19930501 Ver 2_Public Comments_20091207

Mary and Robert Williams
172 Welch Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
December 5, 2009
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue
Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801
Dear Ms. Lori Beckwith:
D EC - 7 2009
My husband and I are residents of the community of Bumingtown, and I am writing to
express my concern about recent discussion and the pending decision to expand the
Macon County Airport. I understand that the decision is being considered to enable the
existing airport to accommodate heavier traffic.
However, I do not believe that the benefits of the runway extension project compare
favorably to the destruction of over 5 acres of freshwater wetlands, the negative impact
on water quality of the stream that runs near there, and the proximity to the Iotla
kindergarten thru 4a' grade school. The noise impact, and the general environmental
effects, with larger and more frequent aircraft traffic, will be primarily negative in nature
in this quiet and rural part of Macon County (the historic Iotla Valley). The sound of
increased and heavier air traffic, is not pleasant, and will cause a sense of increased stress
among the residents who reside in the Iotla, Burningtown, and Tellico areas. Already, our
house is occasionally shaken by the low flying aircraft at night and we are 5 miles up the
road from the airport. I hate to think that this will become more frequent and more
intrusive. I am also concerned about the myriad of pollutants that decrease air quality that
will be a consequence of this expansion.
It would seem that the airport runway expansion might possibly bring a smidgen of
growth to our community. However, I believe that we need to strongly and thoughtfully
consider the trade-off of increased air, noise, and water pollution along with the peace of
our valley being more disturbed. It would certainly decrease surrounding property values.
Are these tradeoffs that we really want to make? Definitely, public hearings are in order
and we strongly urge you to involve the affected community of citizens in the process!
Sincerely,
Mary F. liams Robert P. Williams
Macon (foant?
D EC - 7 2009
December 3, 2009
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
151 Patton Ave. Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801
Attn: Lori Beckwith USACE Asheville, NC
Re:' Macon County Airport Authority USACE Permit
Dear Ms. Beckwith: ?-
This letter is in support of the con County Airport Au
allows the Airport Authority in oooperation with the NC De
the Federal Aviation Administration to coi6plete a much nee
airport This project represents a Ic?onscientious and dedicate
make our airport as safe as possible. Several local businesse
this airport daily. This prdj:ec mainjain and actually
assistance.
ty' request equest for the issuance of a permit that
nent of Transportation, Aviation Division, and
extension of Ma on County's only operational
ort by the Maco County Airport Authority to
luding our largest private employers depend on
im=ove our local economy. We need your
There as:' een•an ongoing ation by our volunteer , AirOrt u on me er a ess_e __-?;
i 1
issue that'lias been raised durin six year process. The 6 Oloot aiort runwa extension does cross a sr a1=?
.; ss earn but the overall impact toy ?h? stream and the surrould g are is minima ThelAuthority has done an
admirable job in dealing-with=thel ar theological aspects of the) ?ite. l ey have workedth Native American
tribes from Cheroke 0kalif o and performed intens Ye I arch egl iogical studies- in order-to identify and
redesigned and o eva d tfie`runwa_ ex ert -lion
rotect cultuaL'artifacts.fonnd on t?e site. The Authority ac ally
f - -'
!5 "in order?to protect areas G8Vwn to. ave arii?facts present.
This T.f l
?4'el haialre1 ?d -taklien- ea s and hundreds of man hour§ on the art of the o Authot?ty ?d oth Ts
tI6etl o th's pt. Ilie:pr jet of only makes our one and o y air?ort safer; it vvi 11contrlbu to our • ov all
?? ..I I I € t vl?l ! py Imo" ??obs ; whil at
service that alto a to lens to create_anma ._ to
econo c well emg by p ovidng a vital
f I
tho sa a time + ving a tru-nn l a ect on ur environment and natural resources.
II f] a i ..? it E 11
I
1 by the Macon Courit}j;Aupo ,Authority•for !
I urge;yqu to;€giye:fayorable cons ?derationito the permit requ!es ed
portant_ P and woi erroi ect
- -tlus.im._9 7
'-
Sincerel
Ronnie Beale- Chairman
Macon County Board of Commissioners
MACON COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX 5 WEST MAIN STREET FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA 28734
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