News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Smithville Municipal Airport has a vision for some future additions at the airport.
Airport Manager Joe Johnson wants to add nine new T-hangers and a parallel taxiway to improve safety.
“We don’t have any taxiway so airplanes have to taxi on the runway to take back off,” Johnson said. “That’s dangerous if another airplane is landing and doesn’t see the airport taxi. We are wanting a parallel taxiway where they can taxi to the end of the runway and then get on the runway to take off. It’s just a safety issue.”
Johnson said the airport currently has 16 T-hangers and all of those are currently occupied. He said there’s a need for more because he has at least 16 applicants wanting to rent out the hangers, which generated $29,000 for the city last year.
“The more airplanes that come in to rent a T-hanger helps the city,” Johnson said. “The airport is an important part of the infrastructure of the city of Smithville and helps out with the industrial part of our city.”
Johnson plans to apply for a grant and use federal, state, and local funding to match the amount if awarded the grant.
