You have often read that we are very concerned with the costs of “consultants” hired by local government. We have these concerns because often the advice given by these consultants is ignored or even trashed before due consideration has been given. The consultants hired to investigate Witham Field’s safety and noise issues are a prime example.

Last summer the Martin County Commission voted to “remove” 460 feet of the main runway and a noise berm on the northern boundary of Witham Field. This was against the findings and recommendations of the consultants hired to help resolve safety and noise issues at the airport. It was also against the advice of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials whose approval is eventually required by Federal Regulations and agreements.

The Commission then hired another consultant. The new consultants have now validated the work of the original firm and the data that indicated the best solution for both safety and noise abatement was maintaining the 460 feet segment and making safety adjustments at the southern end of the runway. The FAA has also responded indicating they do not agree with the Commissions’ solution and will not approve it. So, after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants, lawyers, noise studies and staff time, where are we?

The Commission has directed the consultants and staff continue to pursue removal of the 460’ segment, and are now contemplating rebuffing the FAA and future grants for Witham. Now we are really concerned. We do not believe it is to the taxpayers benefit to abandon grants whether it is the Airport, Sheriff, Parks Department, Roads, Schools or Public Safety. Grants always contain conditions that guarantee the taxpayer’s money is used for the intended purpose. Good management should work to renegotiate stipulations if need be, but should not refuse to accept grants intended for public good.

The action being contemplated by our Commissioners would not only make grants for operational improvements and upkeep unavailable, it would put current noise abatement initiatives in severe jeopardy. The previously accepted grants already carry a 20-year liability, so Martin County is committed to maintaining Witham to FAA standards for many years. Obviously, without grants, it will be difficult unless other funds are obtained.

Before refusing grants the Commission needs to answer a lot of very serious questions. Does the County have a real business plan to operate the airport? Do we have a current list of the existing leases? Are they renegotiable? Who owns the building if the existing tenants leave? At least one Commissioner has suggested that fixed-base operators and other lessees at the airport will be required to pay more. Who will pay for the space occupied by the publicly funded entities such as the YMCA, Community Coach, Life Star and the Sheriff’s helicopter operations? Having tax-supported operations pay more only transfers even more taxpayer dollars from one government pocket to another. Even the Martin County Golf Course, which is on Witham property, might end up having to help support airport operations. Has the Commission considered the consultant, legal and staff costs involved in the inevitable fights with the FAA and others while trying to obviate the current contracts and agreements? Who will pay for the remaining homes slated for buyout/insulation and completing a mandatory noise abatement departure? Grants for these purposes are estimated to be $11-13 million dollars over the next two years.

While this debate proceeds, progress is being made on Witham’s noise pollution problems. Total flights are down over 20% since 2004 and Jet operations, which provide a high percentage of Witham’s income as well as most of the noise complaints, have not increased. The first 8 homes on the North end of the main runway, the area most affected by jet operations, have been purchased using FAA grant money. A second grant is available for buying the remaining 14 homes in this area by the end of this year. The noise abatement departure that will put takeoff climbs over water and away from homes on the South end of the airport has been designed and is now awaiting final approval and incorporation in flight publications.

We are unaware of any proposals consistent with the 2020 Airport Master Plan that do not use grants and see no need to put Witham Field and/or the taxpayers of Martin County in jeopardy. The Commission should continue with the existing Noise Abatement Plan and proceed with extreme caution prior to discontinuing the use of grants to support Witham Field.