Will the Oak Ridge airport project impact residents? City manager explains

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Just as they were making strides to break ground on the Oak Ridge Airport Project, the City paused its development.

The City paused the project to make way for a proposed uranium enrichment facility, Orano – the City calling it one of the largest economic investments in the state of Tennessee.

Oak Ridge city manager Randy Hermann said the pause does not mean the project is dead, but it will set back their timeline. Hemann explained that the proposed facility highlights the growth of nuclear industry in Oak Ridge.

“To me this says we need an airport more than ever, so we will be looking for alternate sites in the area.” said Hemann.

However, residents say an airport is unnecessary, citing nearby airports and the impact it could have on their city or their pocketbooks.

“For the most part, it really doesn’t impact a resident. And there’s, you know, going to be a lot of detailed study on any noise that comes from this, you know, we’ll make sure that there’s no, no great noise impact, and no financial impact on residents,” said Hemann.

One concerned resident told 6 News they were concerned the airport might be used for commercial traffic, but the city manager said that is not so.

“It will support industry, in general would also support those folks that are just doing general aviation, in the area, but it’s mainly for industry purpose, and as I said, to relieve some traffic from, the Knoxville airport,” said Hemann.

Although some residents say government funding should be spent elsewhere, Hemann said the airport could boost their economy.

“We will have nuclear related businesses that need those services. So that’s really what it’s all about, is it becomes another reason for people to move here and for us to be really the center for new nuclear development in the United States and, and hopefully the world,” he said.

Now, Hemann said the project will take more time. It will take the City up to six to eight months to find a new location for the airport, but Hermann explained that they were happy to pause the project while assessments are made regarding approval for the uranium enrichment facility.

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