By AMY ROSE

Staff Writer

Two parcels of land have been appraised and approved for purchase related to the runway realignment project at the Greeneville-Greene County Municipal Airport, according to discussion Monday by the Greeneville-Greene County Airport Authority.

One of those parcels, which is along Whitehouse Road, belongs to Chris Johnson, who attended the meeting.

"I want this to go through for the good of the community, but it does try on your nerves," Johnson said of the runway project.

He said his property has been appraised two times, once in 2006 and again last month.

Johnson's home is one of eight near the airport that will be purchased for the runway realignment project, according to Chairman Janet Malone.

The estimated $15 million five-year project includes multiple phases of construction to correct two major safety concerns -- line-of-sight problems caused by a "hump" near the runway's center, and inadequate safety areas on both sides and on the end of the runway.

Original plans called for the purchase of 14 homes.

Johnson said he isn't eager to move from his home.

Chairman Malone expressed thanks to Johnson for working with the Airport Authority during the lengthy process.

"We appreciate your patience," Malone told Johnson.

There was no discussion during the meeting of the second parcel near the airport that has been approved for purchase and it was not identified.

Malone, who was elected chairman in July to succeed the late Dr. Don Henard, said she had been contacted by Henard's widow, Jean, about a letter he had received from the state.

The letter, according to Malone, stated that two parcels of land had been appraised and were approved for purchase.

Malone said she will have more information on the appraising and purchasing processes at the next Airport Authority meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 1.

The Airport Authority approved the companies that will conduct surveying and property appraisals related to the runway realignment project.

The board voted to authorize Chairman Malone to sign agreements with Miller Surveying and Miller Appraisals, both of which are certified by the state to perform the work, Malone noted.

Finding New Member

Prior to adjournment, Ron Nimick, president of the Greeneville Airport Association (GAA), asked if progress has been made in finding a new member of the Airport Authority. The new member would succeed Henard, who died in May after suffering a massive heart attack.

Because Henard was a county representative on the Airport Authority, Malone said County Mayor Alan Broyles is responsible for finding Henard's successor.

Malone said she will contact Broyles and have more information at the September meeting.

Expenses Approved

In other business during the 20-minute meeting, the board voted to reimburse Malone up to $200 a month for her mileage, telephone and other expenses while conducting Airport Authority business.

The board also voted to spend $275 for Malone to attend the Tennessee Airports Conference Aug. 20-22 in Nashville.

Payment of a $211 invoice from Robinson Aviation was approved by the board. The invoice, Malone said, was for support work for the airport's renewal of its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio license.

The board also authorized Malone to sign all documents related to the annual maintenance contract.

Reports Given

In monthly reports, Pam Smead, the airport's fixed-base operator (FBO), reported that all T-hangars at the airport are occupied, and the waiting list includes about 15 names.

Nimick reported that the GAA is planning a fly-in event in September or October at the airport.

He said a planning committee meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the FBO.