Now that the elections are over and rational discussion is more feasible, it is time to take a fresh look at Witham Field and the realistic options for its future. Thorough coverage of such a complicated and controversial subject in this editorial is impossible. However, the following observations and recommendations are offered as a basis for thoughtful discussion.

Whether you love it, hate it, or even ignore it, Martin County has an excellent Municipal Airport. It is very convenient to our many aircraft owners, aviation enthusiasts, local travelers and tourists. It has been in operation for generations, become significant to many areas of the local economy and is essential to the aviation businesses it supports. This evolution has brought growth in aircraft traffic, especially business jets, and increasing protestations from Witham’s neighbors concerning noise, pollution and safety. A number of organizations have evolved and vigorously debated Witham’s future, often with more emotion than facts. Various "solutions" have been advocated: "close the airport"; "move the airport"; "limit it to propeller aircraft"; "sell/develop the land"; etc. Unfortunately, there are no quick, easy answers. Any significant change in Witham’s operation will require honest evaluations and realistic planning to avoid what could become an emotionally generated economic disaster for Martin County.

Well-publicized debates featuring simplistic solutions have left many citizens with an unrealistic view of the options, especially as regards what they might cost the taxpayer. Our modest research indicates that those who will have to pay should consider the following "realities".

• Closing Witham Field without a replacement facility in place is not feasible. While not impossible, it would take years to accomplish, the issues would be formidable and the resulting costs quite large.

1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would have the final say on closure and have indicated they would not do so without extensive justification. A look at other cities’ efforts in this area gives little hope for a successful conclusion.
2. There would be negative economic impacts on Martin County for closing Witham Field, at least for a significant period of time. Direct jobs on the airfield and indirect aviation support jobs in the area would be lost, along with a reduction in high-end tourist traffic. Just the legal costs to break existing leases and address the inevitable lawsuits would be significant.
3. Some say that any cost to the County is worth it, and would eventually be made up through recycling the land into more productive ventures. Possibly, however, this would require breaking the original covenants that the land will be returned to the owners (or their heirs/estates) if the Airport is no longer needed. While some believe these covenants can be broken, the fight over such valuable property will certainly not be quick or easy. Also, environmental issues and the assumptions one makes on the final use dictate how much, if any, revenue might result.

• No change to Witham’s operations can be mandated without FAA approval. This includes hours of operation, types of aircraft served and traffic patterns.

1. Martin County Commissioners can study the situation and request change, but not limit operations without FAA approval.
2. It is possible to get changes approved, but this is an expensive, time-consuming endeavor that requires considerable research and documentation.

1. It would take many years and millions of dollars to just get the project started. The County would have to settle all the claims, lawsuits and environmental issues already discussed. In addition, it would require numerous environmental studies and approvals from many jurisdictions on the new location.
2. The new airport and facilities would be expensive. Most of these funds, which would amount to at least 50 million and probably well over 100 million dollars, would have to come from Martin County. Even if funds could eventually be recovered from sale/development of the current land/facilities as previously discussed, it would take many more years due to the larger amounts involved.
3. Witham Field is currently self-sufficient. In fact, it provides facilities and services to Martin County that amount to a reverse subsidy. A less suitable facility in a less convenient location might well become a financial drain.

So what should our Commissioners do? They have the unenviable task of finding realistic solutions to the valid concerns of voters with very limited control over the situation, since any changes not approved by the FAA open the County to Federal lawsuit. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that the FAA lives by provide for change, but it must be based on thorough study, documentation and an extensive approval cycle. A FAR Part 150 study, initiated by the County and funded by Witham Field, was completed this past year and is currently under review by the FAA. When approved, it will provide the basis for elimination of Stage 1 (the noisiest) jet aircraft and could provide millions of dollars in Federal grants for a number of mitigation initiatives. These include the voluntary buy-out of homes in the noisiest zones, acquisition of property bordering the airfield, acoustical insulation of homes, and a dozen operational changes that limit over-flights of sensitive areas. While many of these operational changes will be voluntary, history indicates that aircrews have a good record of compliance.

Unfortunately, implementation of the Part 150 will not resolve many of the citizens’ concerns, especially regarding further growth. While the partial solutions are being incorporated, a new study should commence. It should be funded by Airport revenues, headed by a recognized independent consultant, allow limited citizen participation, and initially be used to validate the choices available. This would include the feasibility, scope and appropriate timing of a FAR Part 161 study. A Part 161 is an arduous, expensive process that requires great care in defining the scope and procedures to be used. However, it could also be funded by the airport and, if the effort is successful, will permit mandatory changes to operational procedures and allow strict limits on types of aircraft served and hours of operation.

While these studies are in progress there should be no further erosion of the airport boundaries. Any decision to expand the golf course or make other significant changes in the airport buffer can only serve to exacerbate the situation.

These recommendations will never satisfy all, but they can mitigate the situation and are certainly better than a rapid pursuit of costly, unrealistic alternatives. Even if moving or closing Witham Field becomes a viable goal in the future, these studies will provide some of the required justification at little or no cost to local taxpayers.