UPDATE: MURFREESBORO, TN - In response to the increasing number of incoming and outgoing flights, the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport is taking proactive steps to enhance safety in the vicinity of its runways. Airport officials are focusing on the acquisition of properties within the designated "Runway Protection Zone" to bolster public safety, ensuring the well-being of both pilots and citizens in the airport's vicinity.
One of the key measures involves the strategic purchase of properties surrounding the airport, particularly those within the critical Runway Protection Zone. These acquisitions aim to create a buffer zone, minimizing potential risks and hazards associated with airport operations. The recent approval for the purchase of a residential property at 1816 Herald Lane, valued at $321,000, underscores the commitment to fortifying safety measures.
Looking ahead, the airport is set to acquire additional properties at 1810 and 1812 Herald Lane for a combined cost of $720,000, or $360,000 each. The property owner has already agreed to the sale, and funding for this purchase will be drawn from the Airport's Fund Balance. State reimbursement is anticipated, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation aviation funding set to provide financial support.
These strategic acquisitions serve to expand the Runway Protection Zone, a critical component in ensuring the safety of airport operations. The city's decision to move forward with these purchases is not only a matter of safety but also has implications for taxpayers. Failure to secure properties within the designated airport area could have negative consequences and impact state and federal funding for the airport.
Over the past three years, Murfreesboro Municipal Airport has undergone significant improvements, including the inauguration of a new terminal in 2020. The 16,000-square-foot terminal features a spacious main lobby, raised and ground-level observation areas, lounge seating, a leasable Business Center, conference room space, pilot lounge, and office space.
In a noteworthy development in 2023, the airport qualified for the Federal Contract Tower Program under the FAA. This program, estimated to cost $7 to $9 million over several years, includes the construction of a Control Tower. Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said... The FAA is set to cover 90 percent of the expenses, including air traffic controller salaries. If approved, Murfreesboro would need to fund $900,000 of the total cost, with the FAA contributing $8,100,000.
As Murfreesboro Municipal Airport continues to evolve and accommodate a growing volume of flights, these strategic initiatives capitalize the commitment to safety, efficiency, and the overall advancement of aviation services in the region.
