Two-for-one deal is bad for Indiana GA airports
Consolidating two Indiana general aviation airports in order to build a single replacement airport will not happen on Anderson Mayor-elect Kris Ockoman's watch.
That's what he told more than 200 people who gathered on Nov. 27 at the Anderson Municipal Airport in support of keeping their own field open, in addition to Hamilton County's Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers.
The Anderson Airport Value Awareness Meeting was organized in conjunction with the Anderson Airport Support Group (AASG). The group, consisting of pilots, tenants, and business people, has actively opposed closing the two airports and building the replacement airport near Lapel.
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Rodney French opened the meeting with a presentation on the value of the airport. French said that the airport supports 50 local jobs and that it generates an estimated $7.8 million in returns, while costing the city only $400,000.
Ockoman pledged to actively support the current airport and will help the AASG work toward airport growth and a positive public perception. His strong position has helped lay the groundwork to bring improvements to the facility.
Although this is a victory for Anderson, the town of Fishers may still actively pursue relocating Hamilton to get the airport's prime real estate.
November 29, 2007
