Marshfield: State environmental officials to rule on runway extension by Aug. 28
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WATD-FM on 959WATD.com July 23, 2009
by Kaitlin Keane
PHOTO: Marshfield, Massachusetts seal, posted on 959WATD.com
State environmental officials are expected to rule on a proposed 936-foot runway extension at Marshfield Municipal Airport by August 28.
In a state filing under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, Marshfield's Airport Commission is seeking to lengthen the runway from 3,001 feet to 3,937 feet.
However, Armand Dufresne, an airport planner with consultant Gale and Associates, says Marshfield's airport ideally needs more than 5,000 feet of runway for the safety of today's aircraft.
To minimize environmental impact, Dufresne says the Federal Aviation Administration is allowing Marshfield to pave 300 feet of runway safety area on either end of the runway. The safety areas could be used for takeoffs only.
Right now, the airport's runway is 3,001 feet long, the shortest length considered safe for a general aviation airport.
Dufresne says the proposed extension would not likely attract faster, bigger Class C aircraft to Marshfield's airport.
MEPA approval would clear the way for Marshfield to seek state permits for the project.
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