Date:  Friday, July 25, 2008

Contact: Nisha Marvel, WSDOT Aviation Communications, marveln@wsdot.wa.gov

A recent article by the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) took issue with the Washington State Department Transportation's decision to require public airport owners to repay airport grants when closing an airport. AOPA believes the state should pursue untested legal action against small communities with the hope to prevent airport closures. WSDOT's decision to pursue repayment of grants is consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) practices, as well as with most states. To our knowledge there are no legal precedents in the country where states have prevented airport closures through lawsuits.

While public use airports are owned and operated by local jurisdictions WSDOT Aviation has a strong history of advocating for the preservation of airports.
WSDOT actively participates and expresses its opposition, while acknowledging its limitations, at public hearings regarding airport closures. We also provide and leverage millions of dollars in statewide airport infrastructure improvements, and assist local communities on proper zoning to prevent airport encroachment. Our land use education programs, through partnerships with AOPA and the Washington Pilot's Association, have provided guidance to hundreds of airport advocates to assist them in efforts to protect their local airports. WSDOT will continue to advocate for airports as part of the state's transportation system and work with aviation groups on an ongoing basis to identify opportunities to strengthen state policy to help preserve public use airports.

WSDOT has been engaged in ongoing discussions with AOPA regarding airport closures and the state's grant assurances. We look forward to their continued input as we work to revise our grant assurances during the upcoming year.

For information on WSDOT’s current grant agreements, please visit:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/GrantAgreementTermsandConditions.htm

< Back to News Home