Last year the Taxpayers Association became concerned about the potential
cost of efforts then underway to force moving or closing Witham Field. 
We performed our own evaluation of the issue and in January this column
pointed out a number of pitfalls in the arguments then being made.  We also
noted some mitigation possibilities and recommended further independent study
to define the scope of the problem.  The Martin County Commission financed
just such a study this spring and the preliminary results, released in July,
have validated many of our conclusions and concerns.  The study runs over a
hundred and fifty pages, but in brief summary, its major conclusions
are:
1) Closing Witham Field would be a long, litigious undertaking - very
expensive and probably unsuccessful.  Closure of Witham would redirect
significant numbers of aircraft to other airfields and negatively
impact the total aviation system in this area.  That would provide the reasoning
and grounds for almost certain FAA disapproval.  While this could be
fought, the hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees spent by Witham in just
the past year are a small indicator of this cost.  There are also some $10
million in Federal and State grants to be repaid with $21 million in
revenue and 177 direct jobs lost.  Redirection of land use might make up some of
these losses, but only over time and while incurring additional legal
and infrastructure costs.
2) Moving Witham Field is, at a minimum, a $115 million dollar project
taking 10-15 years to accomplish.  Three possible locations were
evaluated and all had drawbacks that might limit their utilization.  The study
also identified 34 environmental and permitting requirements that may not be
approved.
3) Downsizing Witham Field is possible, but difficult to achieve.
Proceeding without FAA concurrence could be very costly by opening the
County to legal actions from a variety of sources.  The FAA does
provide the methodology for restricting services, but rigorous justification and
documentation is required and the approval process is arduous.

The study did not make a specific recommendation for a course of
action and was criticized by some for not doing so.  We disagree.  This study
provides all the data needed for our elected officials to make informed choices
on the basic strategy available.  The Martin County Commission should take
the lead at this point.

OUR RECOMMENDATION:
We believe it is now obvious that Martin County should take the options
to close or move Witham Field off the table.  The costs are too high and
even if efforts were somehow successful, a positive effect for a large
majority of the County is very much in doubt.

It is equally obvious that unrestricted growth of Witham Field in its
current location is not desirable and many residents have a valid
complaint over the current noise and pollution levels. These accompany all
airports (or railroads or highways) and, fortunately, management initiatives to
lessen some of Witham's negative impacts have already started.

A Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150 study was funded by
airport revenues and completed in 2002.  It is currently in the approval process
within the FAA, and should open the door to numerous mitigation efforts
including grants for acquisition and/or noise insulation of effected
homes.

Efforts are also underway to develop and approve Standard Instrument
Departures and landing patterns that will direct traffic over water or
less developed areas during the most offensive jet operations.

The Commission should make every effort to secure FAA approval of this
Part 150 study as quickly as possible and implement its recommendations. 
Federal and State grant money should not only be accepted, but actively sought.
However, any land/homes reclaimed should be immediately converted into
assets/preserves that DO NOT facilitate further airport expansion.
Efforts to try to limit operations are already well underway at several
similar airports.  These should be closely monitored and their
hard-learned lessons incorporated.   If positive results are achieved, their
strategies and the expensive FAR Part 161 study that would allow the imposition of
further restrictions should be quickly initiated.

The MCTPA approaches this emotionally charged issue analytically.  Our
focus is, as always, the best cost/benefit ratio for all Martin County
taxpayers.

Many airport issues are similar to those that led to early closure of
the Martin County landfill, a political decision to placate a small
minority of taxpayers that will cost the large majority of taxpayers millions of
dollars. We consider our inability to convince the Board of County
Commissioners of the inequity of this decision to be a failure on our
part to effectively represent taxpayers.

Our elected officials have a difficult task in balancing the hardships
of those who live near locally unpopular land uses (LULU's), with the
costs of of providing necessary services to all.    We sincerely hope that the
ongoing discussions about how to best manage the adverse impacts of
Witham Field can be objective and productive, and ultimately reflect good
government for everyone.