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Jan. 29 Editor, The News-Gazette: Does the county need an airport? The city of Lexington is surrounded by the following Virginia regional airports: Lynchburg, 34.3 miles away; Roanoke/Blacksburg, 43.1 miles away; Shenandoah Valley, 44.6 miles away; and Charlottesville/ Albemarle, 59.3 miles away. (per ClosestAirportTo.com.] One argument for an airport is that it would bring more business to Rockbridge County. What kind of business would come? Manufacturing and new businesses require facilities and workers. This means (1) less open/farm land to accommodate the factories/stores, (2) housing and public services (power/sewage/ garbage) for new resident employees, and (3) roads for increased traffic. (And probably a loss of deer and other wildlife in the area.) In addition, the airport will require continual maintenance and FAA required standards.
What are the benefits from having an airport and, thus, new businesses/new jobs/more residents? Private plane owners would enjoy more flying time. And, of course, local government would get more sales and property (real and personal) tax revenue from more visitors and new workers, not to mention more public employees or commissioners - paid by the residents.
One opinion talked about airplanes in distress needing a place to land. With the proximity of other airports, would another one here truly help? Do not open fields on farms provide landing for planes in extreme distress?
This idea was defeated in the county in 1995. Today, the citizens of Rockbridge County should make this decision, not the Board of Supervisors (i.e., government!). Consider the impact of less open land, bigger government (i.e., more taxation), more noise pollution, a less rural lifestyle. SUSAN WOOD Glasgow
