Say They'll Fight Agency For Independent Control Of Airport

The contentious wrangling over Witham Field in Stuart, FL continues to play out... with the Martin County Commission threatening to go over the heads of federal authorities if it can't convince the FAA to change its mind on shortening the main runway.

The Treasure Coast Palm reports the commission recently voted 4-1 to spend $250,000 in airport revenue dollars -- money the county has made off the airport -- to persuade the FAA to reverse its decision on a shorter runway. The county also states its willing to double that money to fight in court to use maps from 1985, to prove to the agency that buildings thought to be on airport ground, actually aren't.

As Aero-News reported in November, the FAA once again asserted it does not support shortening runway 12/30 by 460 feet to appease neighbors. The agency did, however, say it would give those calling for closure of a 460-foot extension to runway 12/30 more time to make their case... thus extending a years-long battle between airport officials and airport neighbors even longer.

The commission also states the airport did not become subject to federal claims until 1985, when it started accepting federal funding. The FAA claims Witham Field has been under federal oversight since 1947.

That date will determine which map of the airport and surrounding land is to be used in deciding who has authority over the land the runway extension was built on. Ownership of dozens of properties along the airport perimeter -- including a YMCA, and a gold course -- are also in dispute.

"The effect is it would cloud title to hundreds of parcels," said County Airport Attorney Peter Kirsch, who says the battle could take two years or more to settle before the court.

County Administrator Duncan Ballantyne told the Palm the FAA will likely respond with legal action when Kirsch attempts to convince the agency to change its mind on the runway extension. That's because the county accepted $7.2 million in federal grant money in 2006, to buy homes near the airport affected by noise.

That agreement is for 20 years, Ballantyne adds... which gives the FAA control of the airport for that time.

Commissioner Michael DiTerlizzi, however, says the commission is prepared for a fight with the FAA.

"The FAA will use those grants as a hammer over our heads. Since it's the will of this board (to become independent), I'm OK with that," DiTerlizzi said. "That may change their attitude a little bit -- they want to control our airport."

The lone commissioner to vote against the plan cautioned the county may have bitten off more than it can chew, though, in taking on the FAA.

"We've now opened Pandora's box. The cost for us to get out of this is enormous," said Commissioner Doug Smith.

Neighbors supporting the removal of the runway extension, which allows larger planes and jets to utilize Witham Field, told commissioners they must stop accepting federal money for the airport.

"You've simply got to get control of this airport, and if you are going to manage it -- the only way to do that is to get rid of the FAA," Witham Action Majority member Bill Summers said.

FMI: Martin County's Witham Field Website