CLEARWATER - Will St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport have a 10,000-foot runway that can accommodate 747s flying nonstop to Europe?
Pinellas County commissioners will answer that question today when they vote on the next phase of the runway extension project.
They will also consider a contract to construct safety areas on the end of each runway.
The vote will take place during the 9:30 a.m. commission meeting at the Pinellas County Courthouse.
Despite objections from residents who live in the flight path, county officials are recommending commissioners approve the design and permitting contract.
That would continue the project that calls for extending the runway from 8,800 feet to 10,000 feet.
The long runway would put the county in a better position to compete for overseas charter flights - most of them 747 jumbo jets - that are currently flying into Orlando.
But it would not guarantee any new service, according to a consultant that the county hired to study the market.
Commissioners approved the concept of extending the runway in 2001.
However, a vote today against the design and permitting contract could end the project.
In recent months, county officials have heard from a growing number of residents who oppose expansion plans.
Most of the opponents live in Feather Sound, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar and Clearwater - neighborhoods in the flight path - who have complained of increased noise from low-flying planes, including several regular flights in the early-morning hours.
They also hope commissioners vote against a master expansion plan that calls for investing up to $223-million in the airport during the next 20 years. That vote is expected later.
