The Durango Herald (March 2) reported that the county commissioners are leaning toward a property tax increase to fund a new airport terminal and new access road. The Durango City Council has already passed this proposal.
As a property owner, I am concerned about this waste of money. When was it decided a new terminal would be built on the east of the airport property? Why do we need a new road to airport property? Who is pushing this new terminal? Is it airport administrators, or we taxpayers who will get the bill? I thought all options were still being studied.
The current terminal is fully functional and has plenty of room for travelers. The road to the airport is adequate and in a better location than what is proposed. The new road proposal is under a hill with limited vision from the west. Already an environmental study is being started for this new road. Two notices have been sent to adjacent landowners, the first one was not correct, the second was to correct their mistake. Already a waste of money.
Parking at the terminal is limited. A much less expensive solution would be to make a parking lot across the county road (north of the terminal) and shuttle passengers to the terminal. Another option would be to move rental cars and rental booths north and shuttle travelers to that location. The airport already owns this property. Most airports use these options.
As community members, we need to decide if we need this multimillion dollar airport renewal or do we want to save money and use it where truly needed. A quick trip to the current terminal and look at arrival and departure times will be eye-opening. Is this a scheduling problem with the airlines? Most of the day, the terminal is vacant with most flights coming and leaving at the same time.
There is still time to speak up and let city councilors and county commissioners know this is a waste of money to replace a terminal and road that is adequate for our area.
Lora McCaw
Ignacio
