financing of a GA airport

On Thu, 13 Nov 2003 09:05:09 -0600, "James M. Knox"
wrote in Message-Id:
:

Larry Dighera wrote in
:

But do you think there might be a little opposition to siting an
airport within the residential zone that has now been permitted to
surround the mall? Or would the municipality displace those residents
too.

Seldom will a city council tear down either housing OR business property to
build an airport. It a matter of being short sited. Those houses and
business property produce tax revenue NOW. The airport may produce even
more benefit to the community EVENTUALLY, but meanwhile the council is
going to get the hit for raising taxes to make up for the shortfall. While
his opponent, some years later, is going to get the praise for the economic
improvements to the community.

Sadly, most politicians can't see beyond their own re-election.

So where will the future SATS municipal airports be built?

"James M. Knox" wrote in message
There are a number of different models used in the US. First off, let's
look at sources of income to the airport (excluding landing fees, which
VERY few airports in the US have):

o Fuel, oil sales
o Hangar rental
o Tiedown rental
o Building lease (to FBO's, maintenance facilities, etc.)
o Lease of overrun land (farming)
o Sale of pilot supplies, food, etc. (if direct)

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. [Similarly, everyone in the community pays school taxes, even
though they may not have children.]

[snip]

In addition to the capital budget typically being subsidized by both
federal and local governments, most small airports have their
operating budget subsidized by the local government (operating
expenses are not eligible for federal funds). Some GA airports are
self-sufficient on the operating side of things, but they are few and
far between. So, part of everyone's local tax dollars are going to the
local airport to support its operations.

This only applies to publicly-owned airports in the US. Private
airports, even if they are open to the public, are not eligible for
federal money and generally can't get state or local money.

On 13 Nov 2003 13:14:12 -0800, (Ace
Pilot) wrote:

This only applies to publicly-owned airports in the US. Private
airports, even if they are open to the public, are not eligible for
federal money and generally can't get state or local money.

Niggle: Actually, if a private airport is included in the National
Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). and if it designated by
the FAA as a reliever or if it has scheduled service and at least
2,500 annual enplanements, it is eligible for up to $150,000 per year
in federal AIP grants under the Wendall H. Ford Aviation Investment
and Reform Act for 21st Century (AIR-21). (Same deal goes for public
NPIAS airports, but without the other stipulations.)

plug There are a ****load of other grants available for small
airports, but public works managers out in the boonies don't always
have the bandwidth to apply for them and the grants go begging. If
you happen to be involved in airport management (especially in the
Western US) and you want to check it out go to www.airportgrants.com.
They don't work for free, but the grants include money to pay
consultants for grant-writing. /plug

Disclaimer: I am not disinterested. Colleen and Carol are friends of
mine, and I give them PR advice from time to time.

Don