AIRPORT DESERVES ENOUGH WATER FOR FIRE PROTECTION

Officials at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport are concerned about an adequate water supply to protect the airport in case of a major fire. It's a predicament that has dogged the airport for years.

But a recent fire that destroyed two buildings in Scott City's industrial park provided a grim reminder of potential dangers. Scott City firefighters were hampered because of lack of an adequate water supply. Construction of a water line to serve the industrial park had begun only days before the disastrous blaze.

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department answers calls to the airport. But there's little they could do in case of a major fire. The closest hydrant is located at ABF, near the airport turnoff on Nash Road. That's too far away to provide any genuine relief.

Most firetrucks carry 1,000 gallons, which would last only seven or eight minutes. That's not enough water if firefighters are facing a major blaze.

To its credit, the city and airport board are examining alternatives to extend water to the airport. City officials plan to apply for a $450,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to install a water system at the airport. Another alternative would be to drill a shallow well and pump the water into a storage tank to use in the event of a fire. A third possibility would be to link up with Scott City's water system, which is under construction on the east side of the interstate.

Luckily, there is an adequate supply of water for the industrial tract on Nash Road. But there is no branch line that connects the airport.

Future growth at the airport may be tied to adequate fire protection. Most people would think twice about making a sizable investment at the airport when there's no guarantee of an adequate water supply for firefighting.

The city has been fortunate that no major fires have occurred at the airport in recent years. It's good the city is moving ahead on this matter with action rather than reaction to a disaster.

Without a proper water sup~ply, the fire department can do little more than protect neighboring structures. The city airport is too important to leave this matter to chance.