Q: The AJC's listing of T-SPLOST projects listed two projects for Cobb County's McCollum Airport: a new air traffic control tower ($2.5 million) and runway approach lighting ($690,000). Since airport improvements are normally funded by the FAA, why are these on the T-SPLOST list? — Peter H. Plocher, Duluth
A: Replacing a locally owned control tower and installing a new approach lighting system at a general aviation airport is low in the FAA's national priority system, Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews told Q&A on the News in an email. "The FAA Airport Grant Program has limited funding availability, and the funding that is available is heavily focused on airport pavement and airport safety area improvements," he wrote. "Historically, there has not been enough funding in the FAA airport grant program to reach the low priority of these projects, and future funding prospects are not expected to improve." The proposed improvements will aid the airport's economic impact on the region, which was calculated by the state at $112 million annually, Mathews wrote.
Q: I watch news about Washington on MSNBC. I often see Kelly O'Donnell reporting from Washington, as well as Norah O'Donnell and Lawrence O'Donnell. Are they related? — Don Varn, Conyers
A: Kelly O'Donnell, Norah O'Donnell and Lawrence O'Donnell are not related, NBC told Q&A on the News in an email. Norah O'Donnell left NBC in June to become the chief White House correspondent for CBS.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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