SUPERVISOR DISPUTES CRITICISM OF AIRPORT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 27, 1992                   TAG: 9202270296
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
SUPERVISOR DISPUTES CRITICISM OF AIRPORT
Roanoke County Supervisor Bob Johnson has disputed charges by Roanoke Vice Mayor Howard Musser that Roanoke Regional Airport officials have not given adequate consideration to the concerns of general aviation enthusiasts.
Johnson, vice chairman of the Regional Airport Commission, said airport officials have not ignored the owners of private and corporate aircraft in developing a plan for upgrading facilities.
The issue, he said, is the desire by some plane owners to preserve the low rates they pay for storing planes.
City Council refused Monday night to approve the airport's proposed budget for the next fiscal year because some members said they think the concerns of general aviation enthusiasts have not been considered by airport officials.
Musser said some owners of small planes feel they will be pushed off the airport by higher rental rates when new hangars are built. Many general aviation enthusiasts have complained that airport officials are insensitive to their needs and ignore them, Musser said.
Johnson said a key issue in the dispute is whether general aviation is going to control the airport. "The gut level is dollars - whether a few people will have to pay a little more to keep their planes there."
Johnson said he doesn't understand council's complaint, considering that city officials occupy three of the five seats on the commission.
Jacqueline Shuck, executive director of the airport, said several hearings were held to receive the suggestions of general aviation enthusiasts while the plan was being developed.
Musser indicated that budget might be approved if airport officials give more attention to general aviation.
Construction is scheduled to begin by summer on a major expansion and upgrading of general aviation facilities.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB