GLAD FOR RENEWAL OF AIRPORT LICENSE

 

Editor, The Sun:

I am a Crawfordville, Wakulla County resident and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. I work with other aviation enthusiasts and community on three different aircrafts (an Ercoupe, a Long VariEze and a Weedhopper) at 2J0, the Wakulla County Airport. This airport is not just for Tarpine residents, it is an open public-use turf runway airport. In fact, the Tarpine residents devote many volunteer hours here at the airport, but with the recent uncertainty around the public airport, many pilots are investing elsewhere in the state for residence in counties that are not considering to close their transportation infrastructure.

As a supporter of the public airport 2J0 (the Wakulla County Airport), it is very good news to read that the Wakulla County Commissioners voted unanimously to renew the airport’s license through August of 2023.

I do feel that it is important to clear up the statement from Commissioner Chuck Hess that “We still have all the expense to upgrade the airport to meet (FDOT) requirements.” I would like to point out that state funds could be given to the county by FDOT in order to upgrade our airport. Just like with cars, airplanes pay tax when they buy gas. The county is currently missing out on receiving these funds, and the burden of fixing the airport does not have to be shouldered by the Wakulla County taxpayer.

By accepting these FDOT dollars, the Commission will be continuing the economic and life-saving potential that the Wakulla County Airport brings to our citizens. Here’s to hoping unanimous votes securing our public use airport’s future continue.

Randy Robinson Crawfordville