Virginia Residents Debate Merits Of GA Airport

The Stafford (VA) regional airport is supposed to be a hotwire for the local economy near Fredericksburg (VA). But in the midst of the ongoing aviation slump, critics say it's become a white elephant. Now, the airport is struggling simply to pay its bills.

"We're trying to pay our bills and keep our head above water until we get the infrastructure," said Roger Murphy, who previously served as airport authority chairman. He blames Stafford's money problems on local politicians. He says squabbling between members of the airport authority and Stafford County commissioners has delayed installation of a $191,000 water main to enable the construction of FBO space and a fuel stand. Now the water line is built, but the airport continues to struggle, with just one paying corporate tenant.

The Fredericksburg Freelance-Journal reports the guy who cuts the grass at Stafford has to bring his own tractor. Taxpayers from surrounding areas shell out about $100,000 a year to keep the airport even marginally afloat. But one airport board member, pilot Thurman Campbell, says the facility's financial woes can be traced back to the County's decision to set the personal property tax rate on aircraft at 60-cents per $100. "Frankly, I don't know any poor people who own airplanes," he said. "This is the most frustrating thing I've ever been involved with in my life."

One example: It costs the airport authority $850 a month to rent the terminal building. There's one tenant in that building. The authority charges that tenant $750 a month in rent. "We're losing money, guy," Campbell told a reporter. "This isn't rocket science."

In spite of the cash crunch, it doesn't look like the Stafford County Board of Supervisors is willing to lay out another thin dime to get Stafford back on track. "I'm not voting to give them anything," said Supervisor Gary Snellings. He thinks the authority has responded poorly to complaints from residents who live near the airport.

FMI: www.co.stafford.va.us