County considers purchase of Willoughby airport
The long-embattled Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport near Cleveland might be getting a new owner. Lake County commissioners have expressed their intent to purchase the airport from the city of Willoughby. AOPA had recommended this move several years ago when it was fighting to keep the airport open. The city has had trouble funding the operation and maintenance of the airport since the mid-1990s. In 1997, the city had threatened to close the airport, and AOPA successfully filed a suit to keep it open. Because Willoughby used federal funds to purchase the airport, it must remain an airport in perpetuity. "Willoughby is a key reliever airport in the Cleveland area," said AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn. "It also has a significant positive impact on the local economy, and the county is wise to pursue acquiring and preserving this jewel located on the shores of Lake Erie."
September 29, 2006
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