Federal, State and Local Leaders Voice Strong Support for Airport Relocation

Business Wire, August 21, 2007

"The FAA and dozens of local and state agencies have thoroughly considered this issue and recommended a course of action designed to meet our air service needs for many years to come."

State Senator Don Gaetz:

"Today we are in an overpriced, underserved market for competitive air travel. Our region, with all its promise, is now reduced to a remote stop on a branch line. That isn't just an inconvenience - it holds down our economy and inhibits our quality of life.

"The new airport will open a skyway between Northwest Florida and the world. We will become a point of origin and a destination for international as well as regional flights. Certainly, our tourism and second home industry will benefit. Even more important, the nation-wide and international reach of the airport will help us compete for new businesses bringing higher paying jobs.

"The implementation of the West Bay Plan, of which the airport relocation is a critical element, will also result in an unprecedented level of environmental protection. The West Bay Plan calls for protecting sixty square miles around the bay, including thirty-three miles of shoreline and forty-four miles of tributaries and creeks."

State Representative Jimmy Patronis:

"This airport, combined with implementation of the West Bay Sector Plan, is vitally important to the future of Northwest Florida. First and foremost, it offers the opportunity to attract better, more competitive air service.

"Airport relocation also initiates the creation of the West Bay Preservation Area. This 41,000-acre conservation area will provide unprecedented environmental protection to the entire West Bay watershed. In the process, we will be creating and preserving one of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in the world. It is truly a unique opportunity.

"The investment that the State of Florida is making in this new facility will be repaid many times over in the decades ahead. The federal government is matching the state's investment, which means we're going to get tremendous bang for our buck.

"Not only is this regional airport going to benefit our local travelers, tourists and business travelers, it will also prove to be an invaluable asset to the military bases in Northwest Florida."

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos:

"The Florida Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Airport Authority in bringing this needed transportation improvement to the citizens of Northwest Florida. The new airport will provide tremendous benefits by moving people and goods in this growing region of Florida."

Additionally, several regional business organizations voiced strong support for the airport relocation project, including:

Bay County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Steve Southerland II:

"This is an historic day for Bay County. With the permitting process now complete, we are one step closer to more competitive air service, greater economic development opportunities, and permanent protection for West Bay.