The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-02-18
RIDER BUDGET
FOR RESIDUE OF
AIRPORT MONEY
U. S. Official Here to Offer
recommendations for
Development.

Of the remaining 100000 Of the
municipal airport appropriation was
ordered today by E. Kirk Mckinney,
works board president, following
conference of city officials with John
E. Sommers. chief of the airport di-
vision of the United States Depart
ment of Commerce.
More than $500 900 has been spent,
including the hanga administration
building which is being delayed tenn
porarily.
Sommers came here from Wash
ington at the request of Mayor
Reginald H. Sullivan TO aid in
Strengthening out the airport tangle.
Heretofore, there has been divided
authority. with no definite plan for
the development of the field.
Needs Landing Field
Need for an all-weather landing
field was stressed by SOmmers.
Hard surface runways. rather than
a circular landing area. is favored
by the United States official.
Construction of three runWayS.
one running north and south anC
the others southeast and north
west. was advised by Sommers. Thc
runways should be at least $50 feet
and $500 feet long, ne said.
The circular hard-surface landing
area, which was proposed with the
view of improving the entire field
when funds are available, was dis
couraged by SOmmers, who looked
over a sketch Of the proposal lay
out. The recommendations of Som
mers we're entirely out of harmony
with the original plans for runways,
which were drawn by Gilbert Harr
former airport engineer. who worked
under the direction Of City Engineer
A. H. Moore.
Harr Discharged
Harr was discharged by the works
board on recommendation of Moore,
after the city engineer inspected the
drainage system. Persons attending
the conference agreed that the lay
out of the field should be decided
before the drainage system was in
stalled.
Already $4,000 mas been spent on
the drainage system and it now is
declared to be inadequate. Later
ais will have to be added before the
system is completed, NJ G.. Johnson,
airport engineer who succeeded
Hsrr. declared. johnson said a
drainage analysis will be made to
determine the most effective type Of
drainage.
Clearing of the entire field to re-
move the flying hazard from trees
on the west end was urged by Som
mers.
The most important factor is to
provide proper landing facilities and
then locate the administration
building in accordance with the run
ways, the board was told.
Excavation Started
Somme-S indicated he might make
a definite recommendation as to
the location of the administration
building today before he left the
city. Although excavation has been
started, the board felt that it was
desirable to hold up the project and
reconsider the site in relation to
the Banner avenue entrance on the
north.
Retention of Paul H Moore as
airport superintendent was agreed
on by city councilmen in caucus on
Monday night on recommendation
of Leo Welch. Democratic council
man. The council entered into q
"gentleman's agreement" with the
works board that Moore will not be
removed unless the works board
brings in recommendation"
The council decision will END ru-
mors that a successor to Moore was
under consideration. Moore has been
identified with the municipal airport
movement from its inception, hav-
ing been secretary Of the site COM
mit.ee bofcre the city decided TO