Fri, Jul 25, 2003
NATA Voices Concern Over Plan to Close or Shrink Florida
Airport
In a strongly-worded letter
to Martin County (FL) Deputy Administrator Dan Hudson, National Air
Transportation Association (NATA) vice president Joseph E. (Jeb)
Burnside urged the county administration to reject proposals to
close or downsize Witham Field, which is located in Stuart
(FL).
"As the county considers all of the possible options for the
future of Witham Field, we implore the community leaders to
seriously bear in mind the impact, both tangible and intangible,
that it brings to the local economy," said Burnside in the letter.
"To close the airport has the same effect as demolishing an
Interstate exit ramp or destroying a railroad spur line."
A recent exploratory study commissioned by the county to examine
options for the airport reported that the airport brings in $21
million of revenue annually and provides 177 jobs for the
surrounding community. The study also said that building a
new airport if Witham was closed--one of the options under
consideration--would cost approximately $115 million and take 10 to
15 years.
"An airport is an economic stimulus," Burnside continued.
"Witham Field serves as a key component of the county's ability to
keep and attract business and industry. Businesses understand
that an airport is just as key to supporting business and
community's economic development as are highways, water, natural
gas, electricity and other components of a well-managed
infrastructure."
Burnside added, "Regardless of [direct] economic impact, when
you close an airport, you limit access to that municipality,
especially in times of local emergencies or national
disasters. Examples include floods, chemical spills,
hurricanes, medical emergencies, major highway accidents and many
others. The availability of an airport such as Witham Field
allows emergency workers to more quickly deliver much-needed
supplies, evacuate victims and base relief operations. Every
closure makes emergency help come from farther and farther
away."
"We urge Martin County to keep Witham Field open," said
Burnside. "To not do so would be costly, contentious and
short-sighted in the extreme."
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