Broward reports progress on North Perry Airport safety initiatives. What to know
Almost a year after Broward County pledged to study safety and environmental effects at North Perry Airport, officials shared a status report on ongoing efforts.
In an email obtained by the Pembroke Pines News, Broward County Deputy County Administrator Kevin B. Kelleher briefed City Manager Charles F. Dodge and city commissioners on three airport-related initiatives.
The initiatives include a safety assessment study, a lead emissions screening and the re-establishment of the North Perry Airport Community Advisory Committee.
The update comes after commitments made by the county during an Aug. 27 town hall hosted by Broward County District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis at the South Regional/Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines.
The town hall came weeks after a small Cessna T337G crashed into a residential neighborhood near North Perry Airport, injuring four people and renewing community concern about the airport’s safety record.
County officials pledged to conduct studies examining airport safety and lead emissions, WLRN reported.
According to Kelleher, Broward County is nearing completion of the procurement process for the safety assessment study and lead emissions screening.
County officials expect the safety study contract to be finalized within the next two weeks, with the selected consultant needing about a year to complete the review.
The email says the county plans to coordinate a meeting with Mayor Angelo Castillo and the consultant performing the study.
The lead emissions screening, Kelleher said, is also nearing completion of the procurement process, with an agreement expected by the end of June. The consultant is expected to complete the screening within three months.
The county also reported progress on the newly re-established North Perry Airport Community Advisory Committee. Seven of the committee’s 10 members have been appointed, with the remaining spots expected to be filled soon.
The email also said that Davis and county staff, “met with representatives out of the Washington, D.C., office of the Federal Aviation Administration on multiple items, including maintenance records, control tower (and) runway lighting.”
“Broward County remains committed to working with the City of Pembroke Pines regarding concerns the City may have about North Perry Airport,” Kelleher wrote.
Most recently, a student pilot and her instructor were involved in a crash on May 29, shortly after taking off from the airport, as the plane struggled to gain enough speed, according to an incident report.
