Friday morning's WGNS "Action Line" radio program focused on proposals to expand the Murfreesboro Airport runway from its present 3,898 feet to a length of 5,000 feet. Airport Manager Chad Gehrke noted that airport fees cover a hundred per cent of its operating costs. The runway expansion would pay for itself. 

Airport Consultant Tim Haskell said that a longer runway is always a factor in safety.

Gehrke then reported that an excellent pilot was delivering blood on this past Mother's Day, and decided to re-fuel in Murfreesboro. However, he was not able to stop his airplane before running out of runway. 

Some citizens are against the expansion. Steve Murphy and Steve Jones said . . .

Both of them live in homes adjacent to the local airport, but Murphy says expense is also a concern. He noted that future growth plans include approximately $8-million for land acquisition of homes and property on Herald Lane. 

Airport Manager Gehrke said the resident's concerns were not likely to happen . . .

Gehrke indicated that the $2.68-million expansion would be voted on by the city council in early August, and that a final public hearing will be immediately before the city council vote. 

The discusion showed that now is the time for those residents to share their views "one on one" with city council members. 

Here is a complete, unedited, recording of the radio broadcast dealing with the proposed runway expansion at the Murfreesboro Airport . . .