Joe Gentile is reporting in the Register Star the FAA has suggested the Columbia County Airport be reclassified into a category which would allow the county to operate with a much shorter runway safety zone than originally thought. The Board of Supervisors Airport Committee was informed last week the airport could be reclassified because the volume of jet traffic at the Ghent location was low enough to allow for the change. As a result, the current 1,000-foot runway safety area could be reduced to a 300-foot safety zone. Blogger Sam Pratt reported the FAA’s idea may still require the county to acquire navigation easements from the adjacent Meadowgreens property to secure against obstructions in the approach zone, however. Airport Committee Chairman Art Bassin said the committee is delighted with the new development. He is now awaiting a letter from the FAA confirming reclassification is a viable option.