(AP) -- Dozens of people turned out on Hilton Head Island to protest plans to extend the runway at the local airport - a plan they say threatens a historic black church.
The Island Packet reports about 75 people gathered at St. James Church on Sunday. The protesters say plans to extend the runway and cut down trees threatens the island's Gullah-Geechee community and local businesses.
The congregation dates to about 1860. The church is next to a planned interpretive park at the site of the first village in the nation for freed slaves.
Church deacon Charles Young urged those attending to contact local lawmakers.
County and town officials have approved a 900-foot runway extension - saying it's needed to ensure future air service to the island.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
