When it comes right down to it, it’s always about the money, which is why we’re glad to see a new report about the Biddeford Municipal Airport.
Controversy surrounding the airport has been rampant for decades, with a vocal contingent of neighbors and others who want to see it closed down going up against recreational pilots and other airport advocates. Some say the city should not be paying toward what they see as nothing more than a playground for the rich, while others envision the airport as an asset and potential boon for industry, business and tourism.
A group was formed early this year to research the airport, in an attempt to clear up some of the questions raised by city councilors about the airport, and the report they released late last month had a particular focus on what the cost would be of shutting it down. The research group, made up of town employees and Councilor Rick Laverriere, found that most of the council’s questions were beyond their ability to address, and so chose to focus on closure costs alone. They also found that much of the work was estimation, since federal and state officials refused to dedicate time and manpower to answering “what ifs” for the city.
Even so, this study was eye-opening, showing that the total cost of shutting down the facility would be as much as $7 million, with about $5 million of that made up once ”“ and if ”“ the property is sold. It would cost between $1.8 and $2 million to pay off the 29 current hangar leases, per Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and the city would have to pay back the airport grants it has accepted from both the state and federal government.
With all the paperwork and studies involved, the work directly associated with filing for closure could cost as much as $250,000 ”“ and the FAA might not even approve the city’s request.
Voters rejected a proposal to close the airport back in 2008, when the cost was listed as $3 million, and it’s worth noting that there’s no guarantee the land will be purchased to make up for that $5 million property price tag cited in the report. If it is closed, the city will be left with the bill for another empty lot and this economy has not been so robust as to ensure purchase of a $5 million parcel. And if it is developed piecemeal, either privately divided or as another industrial park, taxpayers will be holding the bag in the meantime.
As several city councilors have noted, this closure expense information is not enough for them to make an educated decision on the future of the airport.
We agree with Councilor Bradley Cote that a professional, comprehensive study should be commissioned on the airport to answer all the other questions that have been raised about it. Safety, current use, potential for income, business interest ”“ all the how’s and if’s of closure versus status quo operation versus expansion should be explored so the councilors, and ultimately the city’s voters, can review the facts and figures and decide once and for all what they want to do with this facility.
We believe Biddeford voters will balk at the expense of shuttering this piece of infrastructure, and we look forward to the commissioning of a full study to help councilors decide how to move forward with the airport.
So far, there’s been little more than opinion and hearsay to suggest whether the Biddeford Municipal Airport is an asset or a liability, and it’s time to end the bickering with some cold, hard facts.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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