Rotary Club Program -July 28, 2004

Reported by Mickey Anders

Rakeesh Sachdeva called the meeting to order and asked for bragging bucks. In a typically lively response, brags were made on the state police for arresting 41 drug dealers this week in Pike and Floyd counties, Reed Potter for serving as host for a physician who is considering moving here from Australia and several Rotarians, including Bob Ford, bragged on wedding anniversaries.

Two Rotarians, who shall not be named lest their wives find out about it, gave words of wisdom related to marriage. The first told a groom that his marriage was for better and for worse, adding, "She is the best you can do, and you are worse she can do." The second Rotarian suggested that marriage is like taking a really hot bath – once you get in it, it's not so hot anymore.

The guest speaker for the day was Michael de Bourbon, a local attorney who has practiced law here for 30 years and is currently chairman of the board of the Pikeville/Pike County Airport Board.

Mike reported that the state of the local airport was very good with a 5,000 foot runway, an instrument rating system, and a terminal. The success of the airport is largely due to the foresight of several leaders in the 1960s, including Kelsey Friend, Ertel Whitt, and Dr. Davis. Those gentlemen had envisioned an airport at Island Creek, which would be much nearer the city. The Airport Board still owns property on Island Creek which is currently being mined for coal and bringing much needed revenue for development of the airport.

However, the current site at Cowpen was developed first, because it was easier to obtain enough flat land. There are 250 acres of flat land at that site.

The Airport Board is now sponsoring their third year of an Aviation Camp, in which children between the ages of 8 and 15 get scholarships to attend a two day school on aviation at the airport. This year, two such schools are being taught.

A new $1.5 million fence to protect the fight path from wandering elk is the next major project for the airport. Several planes have already hit deer on the runway, and the elk pose an even bigger threat.

Mike reported that the Airport Board is currently working with the Highway Department, the Kentucky State Police and the Pikeville Independent School Board regarding location of facilities near the airport.

Mike reported that the current strong coal prices means that the Island Creek property is being mined with a view for future development. If coal remains strong, there could be 300 acres of flat land available on Island Creek in the next four years. Because of excellent management by the Airport Board, this property will mean a $16 million asset to the community.

The new road to the current airport is another tremendous asset. The road cost $18 million to build.

Mike expressed his joy at serving on the Airport Board and assured Rotarians that the board watches to make sure we get one dollar of good work for every dollar spent.