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."

FMI: www.nata-online.org