Some Say Airfield Should Be Closed Or Turned Over To The Air Force

Officials in St. Clair County, IL are still bullish on MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Belleville, IL, despite operating losses totally $146 million over the past 13 years. Some critics are calling for the airport to be closed, or turned over in its entirety to Scott Air Force Base, with which it is joined by a common taxiway. The Air Force already operates the only control tower for the military and civilian sides of the airport.

The county is shifting its promotional efforts for the airport from passenger traffic to a cargo and manufacturing facility, but the group "Citizens for Smart Growth" says the airport will continue to lose money no matter how much development occurs. The group says it should be shut down entirely, or turned over to the Air Force, saving the county some $900,000 per year, according to a report in the Belleville News-Democrat.

Some on the county commission agree that the airport will continue to cost taxpayers money, perhaps tens of millions over the next several years. And County Board member Frank Heiligenstein (D) told the paper that he does not have a lot of confidence in the Public Building Commission, which oversees the airport. He has suggested a revival of an airport subcommittee or hiring an outside consultant to determine the best use of the facility.

The chair of the Building Commission says there is a lot of potential at MidAmerica, citing plans by North Bay Produce to establish a warehouse and distribution hub at the airport. Boeing has also invested in a subassembly plant on the grounds.

County Board Chairman Mark Kern said that it would be impossible for the county to turn the airport over to the Air Force because of grants made by the FAA back in the 1990's when it was built. Should they abandon the airport, the county would be liable to repay the government "hundreds of millions of dollars," he said. "We're locked into operating this airport, and so that's what we're doing." The Air Force said through a spokesperson that they have no interest in taking over the airport.

The chair of the local Republican party told the paper that, due to losses which totaled $12 million last year alone, the airport is  certain to be a major issue in county elections in 2012.

FMI: www.co.st-clair.il.us