S TRAN SCR ORG6 2-28

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 77

(By Senators Beach, Kirkendoll, Fitzsimmons, Plymale, Williams, Cole and Walters)

[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the policies on land uses within airport runway protection zones and issues of control over such zones.

    Whereas, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recent years has provided new guidance concerning airport runway protection zones (RPZ); and

    Whereas, A runway protection zone is a two-dimensional trapezoidal area at ground level prior to the threshold or beyond the runway end to enhance the safety and protection of people and property on the ground; and

    Whereas, Studies indicate that half of all general aviation accidents occur during take off or landing; and

    Whereas, RPZs are of prime concern to the protection of people and property as well as to maintaining full utility of airport facilities; and

    Whereas, The FAA recommends that airport owners own the property under the runway approach and departure areas to at least the limits of the RPZ; and

    Whereas, The FAA Office of Airports must evaluate and approve

any proposed land use located within the limits of land controlled by the airport owner of an existing or future RPZ that is not specifically allowed; and

    Whereas, Federal funding and safety should not be jeopardized through noncompliance with RPZs; and

    Whereas, Control over land comprising RPZs by West Virginia airports is of the utmost importance; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the policies on land uses within airport runway protection zones and issues of control over such zones; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.