Resolution Supporting an Airport Feasibility Study
May 2, 2002

Resolution NO. ____________________

A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWALL'S POINT TOWN COMMISSION STATING ITS DESIRE FOR AND SUPPORT OF AN UNBIASED COMPREHENSIVE STUDY DESIGNED TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF MOVING THE COUNTY OWNED AIRPORT, WITHAM FIELD. THIS RESOLUTION FURTHER EXPRESSES THE SEWALL'S POINT TOWN COMMISSIONS REQUEST FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS AND AGENCIES IN IMPLEMENTING THE ABOVE CITED FEASIBILITY STUDY.

WHEREAS, past and future capital expenditures and related business agreements on and with the County owned airport have, and will result in a steady and significant increase in the number of arrivals and departures by all types of aircraft and particularly jet aircraft; and

WHEREAS, the County Government has actively pursued policies and taken positions in support of airport infrastructure improvements which has encouraged and accelerated the expansion of airport operations in both size and type of aircraft using Witham Field; and

WHEREAS, residents of Sewall's Point as well as other surrounding communities, who have lived in harmony with the airport and its operations for over 55 years, have for the last 6 years witnessed a significant and alarming increase in noise, pollution and concerns regarding the health, safety and general welfare of the people of Sewall's Point, and other communities; and

WHEREAS, the quality of life and the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of Sewall's Point and surrounding communities has been negatively affected and is certain to further decline with airport infrastructure and operational growth; and

WHEREAS, County Officials have expressed a desire to address the noise, pollution, and safety concerns of affected Martin County residents and are conducting a FAA sponsored Part 150 Noise Study which only explores some aspects of the overall problem; and

WHEREAS, an unbiased and comprehensive study designed to determine if it is physically, environmentally, socially and economically feasible to relocate the airport, thereby offering an improved quality of life, health, safety and general welfare for virtually all citizens of Martin County; and

WHEREAS, a feasibility study is neither a position in favor of or against moving the airport, but rather an efficient, cost effective way of adding to the limited findings of the FAA 150 Study by generating a complete and comprehensive compilation of all the facts and available solutions; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of all citizens and an obligation of all elected officials to provide a complete and fair disclosure of all the information and facts, particularly as it relates to and issues with the gravity of this one.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Commission of the Town of Sewall's Point, Florida, that Town Resolution No. ________ which reflects the following policy and stated actions is adopted:

1. The Town Commission of Sewall's Point in behalf of its citizens hereby request and support an unbiased and comprehensive study to determine the physical, environmental, social and economic feasibility of relocating the County Airport.

2. The Town Commission of Sewall's Point, by copy of this resolution, further requests the assistance and support of all local, state, and federal officials and agencies in implementing said study in a timely and efficient manner.

3. The Town of Sewall's Point, Commission by copy of this resolution, hereby requests a joint public meeting between the Sewall's Point Commission and the County Board of Commissioners at a mutually agreed to time and place, anytime during the months of May, June or September, 2002 to discuss solutions to the issues addressed herein.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this   2nd day   of   May, 2002

ATTEST: 

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Joan Barrow, Town Clerk

Approved as to form and Correctness:

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Tim Wright, Town Attorney  

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Thomas Bausch, Mayor

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Marc Teplitz, Vice Mayor

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Richard Baron, Commissioner

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Jim Bercaw, Commissioner

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Daniel Morris, Commissioner