"Steve Foley" wrote

They're calling it a safety improvement because that's where the money is.
It also makes them look good by bringing money into the local economy.

Not necessarily.

The FAA has long term plans for airport improvements. In Hickory NC, the
runway and over run area being extended is one thing that the FAA was "very"
much interested in seeing done. We had to relocate streets, to get the job
done.

Once again, the local people often have no say in these things. The FAA
gets its way, if you want it's money.
--
Jim in NC