Since at least 2013, according to available documentation, the Solberg’s have been endeavoring to turn the mud at either end of their main runway, 04-22, into gold capable of sustaining significant corporate jet aircraft operations. The mud, of which we speak, is the unimproved turf beyond the ends of the pavement which they have designated as “displaced thresholds” extending the runway’s length to 5,598 feet, 50% loner than the 2021 pavement extension to 3,735 x 50 feet.
This mud extension of the runway, approved by the FAA, is a prime example of “airport creep” where airport facilities are expanded without the need for local approval or public hearings by flying under the radar of “Community Involvement, FAA AC150/5050-4A” by having tiny incremental expansion approved and documented, then saying, that is the existing airport when the time for a major expansion comes. Solberg did this in 2021 when they received approval to pave 735 feet of “turf displaced threshold”, incorporating it into the main runway as usable runway surface.
The most recent approval of 1,863 feet of mud (turf) displaced threshold by the FAA is just the latest example of “Airport Creep” that will not require a Public Hearing when it comes time to pave it because the FAA already considers it “approved runway”.
Worse yet, the above referenced document on Community Involvement makes a very subtle distinction as to what airport expansion requires Community Involvement or a Public hearing. Paragraph 1.6.1 on page 1-6 states the Public Hearing requirements for “a major runway extension” BUT only if that extension uses Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Funding. As of this writing, Solberg has achieved FAA approval for a main runway length of 5,598 feet incorporating the mud displaced thresholds at either end. That done, paving that “EXISTING” turf runway will not require a hearing of any sort!