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Feb. 9, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I have to agree with the letter from Kathleen and Gordon Ball, questioning the need for a taxpayer-funded airport in Rockbridge. I realize that many current citizens of Rockbridge weren’t here 30 years ago when this proposal was last brought up. The issue was hotly debated and most citizens came to the conclusion that although the airport would be almost entirely paid for and maintained with their tax dollars, there would be little to no benefits for those citizens not owning an airplane. The proposal was voted down by Rockbridge citizens 75 percent to 25 percent.
I can’t see that much has changed since then except that we now have a heliport at Carilion Hospital and Shenandoah Valley Airport 34 miles north of Rockbridge. Why open this can of worms again?
Rockbridge citizens have paid millions in tax dollars for the supervisors’ last “if we build it they will come” boondoggle, namely the sewer line to Raphine. Revenue from future growth was supposed to entirely cover the cost of that project. Instead, the county has had to cover millions in debt payments with tax dollars that would have been better spent providing high speed internet to citizens and businesses, or ensuring that we have a world class education system for our children and future workforce.
I’m not against subsidizing development that will have an overall positive effect on our lives and tax base, but we have to be smart about it or we’ll just end up with higher taxes and a less attractive place to live. ERIC SHEFFIELD Rockbridge County
