Greensburg, Ind. — Representatives from Butler, Fairman & Seufert Civil Engineers presented the results of the environmental assessment of the proposed expansion of the Greensburg Municipal Airport. The expansion would increase the size of the airport from about 30 acres to more than 180 acres and add a longer runway. Long range plans include a new terminal and taxiway.
The project will allow larger aircraft to use the airport. Officials indicate an improved airport will also create an important economic development tool to entice area companies to expand and possibly draw other industry to Greensburg.
State representative Randy Frye, former Greensburg mayor Gary Herbert, president of the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Susan Burkhart and Glen Tebbe representing current mayor Dan Manus all spoke in favor of the expansion. Letters of support from congressman Luke Messer, state senator Chip Perfect and former mayor Gary Bailey were presented as well.
Members of the public including Jean Johannigman spoke in opposition of the project. Questions were raised about the necessity of the enhancements and the ability of smaller general airports to be financially viable.
Even if the project gets the go ahead some nearby landowners question the legal authority city government has to declare eminent domain if required. In Zionsville, an Indiana appeals court ruled against city government in a similar eminent domain situation.
Airport Board of Commissioners president Bill Ernestes says the estimated cost of the project is $10 million. He says the federal government will pay 95 percent of the cost, state government five percent and the remaining five percent by the airport and/or the city. He stressed that every effort will be made by the board of aviation commissioners to minimize the burden to taxpayers. He says over the last ten years the self-funded airport has saved city and county government about $200,000.
