New Plan Allows Airport To Be Moved

The Bay County Commission (BCC) in Panama City (FL) has approved a land-use plan one for the proposed relocated Panama City - Bay County International Airport on 4,000 acres in western Bay County. The measure was adopted by a vote of 3 to 1.

But the airport isn't built yet. A number of additional regulatory steps remain before it becomes final, including additional review by the Florida Department of Community Affairs to determine if it's in compliance with state law.

The decision to relocate the airport ultimately rests with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Panama City - Bay County International Airport Authority. Subject to final approval of the airport relocation at West Bay, St. Joe, one of Florida's biggest real estate firms, has committed to donating the 4,000-acre airport site to the Airport Authority and an additional 10,000 acres for environmental mitigation. These mitigation lands would become part of the West Bay Conservation Area.

The FAA and the Airport Authority continue to work on an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed new airport. A broad-based coalition of Bay County community leaders, environmental and business groups (including St. Joe) are supporting the relocation. There are citizens and no-growth groups opposing it.

FMI: www.joe.com