Construction to clear the way for new runways will begin next month, despite legal troubles that ban any construction on the biggest piece of land still to be purchased, officials at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport said Tuesday.

        Barb Schempf, director of government affairs, said work on relocating an oil pipeline will begin June 1, and work on relocating Ky. 20 will begin on Aug. 1.

        Last month, a Boone County Circuit Court judge delayed a ruling on whether the airport could condemn 80 acres owned by the Conner family of Hebron for the $230 million runway project until late August, meaning work could not proceed on that land.

        Ms. Schempf said the initial construction does not affect that parcel. Construction had previously been scheduled to begin early this month.

        “If anything, the delay on these projects was caused by getting the proper permitting,” said Ms. Schempf, who said permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and Kentucky regulators now have been secured.

        The airport plans to build an 8,000-foot north/south runway on its western side, and extend the east/west runway 2,000 feet to the west, making it a total of 12,000 feet. Plans call for the new runways to be open by 2005.

        Phil Taliaferro, the lawyer representing the Conners, said he will verify that the land will not be adversely affected by the construction, and will be looking for that information as he examines airport records to prepare for August's hearing.

        “As long as the airport is proceeding legally, and they can prove it, that's their business,” Mr. Taliaferro said.

        As for projects that might affect the Conner property, Ms. Schempf referred comment to airport lawyer Joe Baker, who said airport officials are “certainly looking at what we can do. It is a grave inconvenience, but we are trying to move forward.”

        Ms. Schempf said that Ky. 20 will continue to operate normally while the new road is being built around the northern side of the airport.

        The pipeline also will operate as usual until the new pipeline around the western side of the airport is finished. The pipeline project is expected to cost about $4.7 million, and the Ky. 20 project should cost nearly $13 million for design and construction, Ms. Schempf said.

        Boone County Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bamberger will hear both sides' arguments over whether the airport, owned by Kenton County, can condemn land in Boone County, on Aug. 28.

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