Editor,

It’s very common to speak out when we oppose something, but to stay silent when we think things are going well and operating as expected. This seems to be the case with the Port of Coupeville’s effort to acquire the AJ Eisenberg Airport. Those of us who support the effort are many, however we seem to only be hearing from the opposition. I’d like to change that and register my support for the effort and encourage any who may be concerned about the port’s intentions to raise their level of awareness by reading through this letter. In this case, our public institutions and elected officials are doing exactly what they should be doing. Port districts are supposed to take on projects like this. In fact, the Port of Coupeville was formed explicitly to own and operate an airport. I am happy to see the original will of the voters is finally being realized.

I do not own an airplane, nor do I own or work for an aviation-related business. I have no skin in the game except for the fact that I live here, pay taxes and care deeply about this community. I support this project because I am interested in ensuring our economic and environmental sustainability, maintaining our quality of life, and preserving our community character. A publicly owned airport and associated development can and will contribute to all of these objectives.

We don’t necessarily need the return of scheduled commercial air service for this to be realized (although it would be nice). The widespread community benefits of a general aviation-only airports have been demonstrated by multiple studies and in real life in communities all over the Northwest. We’re currently missing out on these benefits, and it’s even more critical for us given our island geography and our desire to stay rural in the face of a rapidly changing economy. I am not concerned that resources may be siphoned from valuable existing projects or that local tax money will be squandered on a pet project that would not have widespread benefit – because the questions have been asked and answered.

Despite concerns otherwise, the port has studied the opportunity and considered their involvement very carefully. The port has verified that they can own an asset that is not located within their taxation boundaries prior to acquisition, considered data from the state Department of Transportation demonstrating economic development benefits, evaluated income and expenses of the current operation and developed an interim plan covering deferred maintenance, management and operations, and the process to evaluate future expansion opportunities and capture funding for any future development.

Of course, this plan is not comprehensive or sufficient for the long term. However, this transitional plan includes developing a long-term strategic plan and design for the future. The comprehensive planning and design work, which will include public input and an economic cost benefit analysis for any improvements, can only be completed with public funds after the property is in public ownership. Performing this prior to acquisition would constitute a gift of public funds and is not an option.

Regarding funding and future viability, it should be noted that current operations generate notable revenue from hangar rental and fuel sales and publicly owned airports receive state and federal funding. Recurring state funding of publicly owned airports comes from aviation fuel taxes, not local property taxes. For years the state has collected extensive fuel taxes from fuel sold at this airport and none of that has stayed in our community.

It’s time that changed. Let’s bring this money back into the community and invest in our future. Let’s build transportation resiliency, economic sustainability, and ensure we can accommodate future environmentally sensitive modes of transportation. We need to applaud the Port of Coupeville for their decision and thoughtful approach to this endeavor.

Mark Varljen

Coupeville