But NIMBYs Threaten To Remove Extension Anyway

The wrangling over Witham Field continues, as the Federal Aviation Administration once again asserted it does not support shortening the Stuart, FL airport's main runway to appease neighbors.

"The Federal Aviation Administration cannot concur in an action that adversely affects the safety, utility or efficiency of the airport," reads a November 17 letter to Martin County from Bart Vernace, assistant manager of the FAA's Orlando district office, obtained by the Palm Beach Post. "The proposal to abandon the 460-foot extension in the approach of Runway 12 obviously impacts the utility of the airport (and with no apparent benefit.)"

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 runway extension at SUA was added in 1998... and has been at the heart of a contentious battle ever since. Neighbors say the extension causes jets to fly lower and closer to their homes, increasing noise and pollution; airport officials say businesses at and around Witham Field benefit from the added runway length for larger aircraft to operate from.

In August, Martin County commissioners voted to render the extension unusable to pilots. Officials maintain they could go ahead and remove the extension without FAA approval. By doing so, though, they'd risk future funding... including the funds needed to shorten the runway in the first place.

Removal of the extension would reduce Witham's main runway to 5,366 feet.

The FAA's letter adds it supports an alternative solution to noise problems, that would keep the extension in place. One possible solution discussed -- but rejected -- by the county would extend safety zones at the southern end of the unmolested runway into a nearby golf course and country club.

County officials say they own the land in question, and the airport has no right to intrude on it; the FAA, however, questions whether the land was ever legally removed from the airport's original map.

The FAA has asked the county to publish its proposal to shorten the runway in local newspapers for the next 30 days, in order to seek more public input on the matter before the FAA rules.

"It's not a final denial," said FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen. "It's asking the airport to get more public comment."

Even if the agency eventually decides against removal of the extension, however, the president of the Witham Airport Action Majority says he hopes the county will vote to shorten 12/30 anyway.

"Unless it affects the safety of current users, the FAA should step back and not get involved," said David Shore.

FMI: Martin County's Witham Field Website