As a full-time resident of the county and home property owner, I have followed the effort to expand or build a new airport complex.
Now I read (“Terminal plan may need to shrink,” Herald, Nov. 18) that other means to fund a new airport besides a property tax on county property owners are being considered.
Airport officials, airport board members, the city council, county commissioners, consultants (especially Jviation), and others have been short-sighted in their belief that a county property tax was the only way to fund the airport.
Yes, an updated inflation-adjusted passenger facility fee from the 16-year-old level would partially help with funding. A higher federally regulated passenger fee should be part of an infrastructure improvement plan which would help not only our airport but many other American airports that need modernization.
To accomplish this, it is urgently essential that our elected representatives in Washington support legislation for infrastructure repairs and revitalization, and an upgraded passenger facility fee.
Additionally, our airport should join the nonprofit Airports Council International (www.aci-na.org) to receive expertise on airport funding and planning. If the FAA is to provide the previously promised $40 million, this amount needs to be confirmed with a binding agreement. And, considering how over-priced tickets are to fly in and out of Durango, the airlines should be strongly asked to contribute as well.
State Sen. Ellen Roberts has supported the concept of creating a Southwest Colorado Regional Airport Authority that would obtain funding from not only us but others outside the county who also benefit from our airport. Hopefully, after her term expires, someone will take up this approach.
A new or expanded La Plata County Airport is still possible, but with fairer funding than primarily from La Plata County citizens. It’s time to get moving on our future.
Anthony R. Palmer, M.D.
Durango
