HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- A master plan for an airport on an island along the South Carolina coast may include a longer runway.
The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports that leaders in the town and Beaufort County will discuss the future of the airport at a meeting on Tuesday.
Previous master plans have recommended adding 700 feet to the runway, making it 5,020 feet long. Consultants working on the latest plan are expected to release their recommendation.
Those favoring a longer runway say it will expand commercial air service, helping the island economy. The current runway means commercial flights sell fewer seats because of weight limits.
Those opposed to a longer runway worry about noise and the effects the change could have on a church near the end of the runway.
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