Environmental assessment hearing on airport expansion January 14

Copiah County’s Board of Supervisors received an update on the Copiah County Airport at their recessed meeting December 22.

The public hearing on Jan. 14, 2009 on the environmental assessment of the proposed runway extension was reviewed.

Supervisors were advised that work has stopped on the T-hangar project and the contractor has ‘agreed to comply’ with the stop order.

Advertisement was authorized beginning Dec. 31 for paving of the drive and apron at the airport with bids to be opened Jan. 29, 2009

Mike Corken of the Airport Development Group in making the above report indicated that 140 additional acres will be required to provide space for the runway extension.

Supervisors discussed the proposed Mosley lease of the Copiah County Airport facilities and the county advised that the present lease could be assumed under the previous terms of maintenance. Attorney Munn was authorized to finalize the terms with Mosley.

Other Matters

Janet Schriver, Cultural Affairs Director and John Kitchens representing the Robert Johnson Foundation met with the supervisors to discuss fundraising possibilities for developing the Robert Johnson Birthplace home as a tourist attraction. Kitchens plans to discuss the matter with his clients and report back to the board. Kitchens indicated in the meeting that rights to an additional photograph of Robert Johnson were being acquired by the foundation.

Sheriff Jones reported that population at the detention center was 58.

Copiah authorized $1719 for training of 19 Copiah firefighters in a new and more intense certification course at the State Fire Academy. The course has been extended from 48 hours to 52 hours and 20 more skills have been incorporated into the training.

Supervisors made arrangements to attend their mid-winter conference and an industrial development luncheon during the conference.

Tax Collector Holloway was authorize to utilize some of her employees on overtime to receive and log tax payments. Previously extra help had been secured during the busy season.

Routine tax roll corrections were made upon recommendation of Assessor Mooney.

Engineer Johnson reported that all the state aid roads in Copiah have been inspected. The right of way plats on the County Farm Road are ready and the attorney was authorized to secure the land necessary for the project.

The county’s annual support of the Southwest District Livestock Show was authorized.

Expenses for the coroner staff to attend their midwinter meeting were authorized.

Supervisors adjourned for Dec.