Airport pursues instrument approach

Fulton Airport Board Chairman Barry Sharp appeared before the Fulton City Commission, in special called session Sept. 14 at 8 a.m., to request the city’s support and execution of documents relating to a federal grant application.

According to Sharp, the Federal Aviation Administration has made available $88,860, associated with the implementation of an instrument approach for the Fulton Airport.

He explained that in the event of heavy cloud coverage, which could restrict a pilot’s ability to visually locate the runway, the instrument approach, a GPS method, would offer increased safety in navigating a landing.

As part of the process, the cutting of trees will be required on six properties. Sharp said five of the landowners have agreed to the conditions, with one land owner, James McIntyre, not satisfied with the amount offered for the easement.

Sharp told Mayor David Prater, Commissioners Elaine Forrester, Darcy Linn and Jeff Vaughn that funds would essentially finance the purchase of one property, upon which a small house was located, and easements on the other properties.

Sharp said the city would not be responsible for any cost.

Through Municipal Order 2018-103, Mayor Prater was authorized to sign the necessary documents from the FAA for the Fulton Airport Improvement Program, Project 3-21-0062-016-2018.

Also required is the signature of City Attorney Allison Whitledge, who was not present for the meeting. Sharp indicated he would get in touch with Whitledge for her signature, and had already acquired the necessary signatures representing the Fulton County Fiscal Court and County Attorney, and would forward the executed documents for the application by the Sept. 18 deadline.