Decision expected on trimming Hilton Head trees

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A Beaufort County judge is expected to rule soon in a dispute between county officials and a black church over cutting trees at the Hilton Head Island airport.

The Island Packet reports (http://bit.ly/pdI0zp ) that a judge has heard arguments on allowing the cutting at the county-owned airport to proceed.

Pilots and US Airways officials say the trees need to be cut to meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The church argues cutting the trees will remove a natural buffer and sound barrier.

St. James Baptist Church also contends that cracks in church walls were caused by vibrations from aircraft. The county and town of Hilton Head disagree with that claim.

The FAA last year awarded more than $1 million for the tree work in a one-time grant.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com