In article ,
Additionally, if the airport is open to the public, it is eligible for
public tax monies. This is the MAJOR source of support for most
airports, amounting to 90 to 95% or the total capital budget. This
money is basically a recognition of the fact that everyone in the area
benefits by having the airport, not just those who actually have an
airplane.

The "recognition" is just like the recognition that freeways and other roads
benefit everyone in the area. While many Americans lack the knowledge to
see it this way, airports are just as important an element of the public
transportation infrastructure as roadways and waterways, both of which are
readily acknowledged as worthy of public monies.

I haven't once heard of a neighborhood banding together to try to close a
public road. For some reason, those same people who would never think of
trying to close a public road think it makes perfect sense to try to close
an airport.

I know a few groups that want to close a few roads actually But the
main difference between a road and an airport is the road is used by
everyone, while 'only the rich' use the airport. It's not even a 'real'
airport (with jets and airline service) it's justs there for the wealthy
to play with their toys. etc. etc.
Most people are just not aware of how small local airports help the
area. Roads and schools (which almost everyone actually uses themselves)
have more direct benifits. To be fair, a lot of people in the USA have
trouble investing in anything that does not produce direct results...