I decided to post this as it's own thread because I believe the "PCB not so stupid now" thread kind of ran its course.
After reading every post in that thread, the things that stood out to me were that the message which SWGB and a few others received was (a) biased towards PCB, (b) not rooted in fact, and (c) was an intentional misinformation campaign designed to drum up a grass roots effort to speed the new airport along.
As I mentioned in my last post on that thread, I was suprised that nobody had bothered to talk to Okaloosa Regional Airport. Well, I did, and it appears that it is going to be around for a good while. Here is their response from the Director of the Airport, Jerry Sealy:
Will,
There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that VPS will be closing on 2010. We have just completed negotiations with the Air Force for a 20 year lease of the property ? 130 acres. We will be spending approximately $14 million over the next 16 months to relocate the rental car operation and an additional $12 million for the Terminal Expansion in fiscal year ?09. Eglin?s chairman of the Enhancement Committee, Bob Arnold, has repeatedly told those asking the question that there is not any attempt nor plans to close VPS now or in the future.
You?re continued support and interest in the Okaloosa County Airports is truly appreciated.
Regards,
Jerry Sealy,
Airports Director
After reading every post in that thread, the things that stood out to me were that the message which SWGB and a few others received was (a) biased towards PCB, (b) not rooted in fact, and (c) was an intentional misinformation campaign designed to drum up a grass roots effort to speed the new airport along.
As I mentioned in my last post on that thread, I was suprised that nobody had bothered to talk to Okaloosa Regional Airport. Well, I did, and it appears that it is going to be around for a good while. Here is their response from the Director of the Airport, Jerry Sealy:
Will,
There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that VPS will be closing on 2010. We have just completed negotiations with the Air Force for a 20 year lease of the property ? 130 acres. We will be spending approximately $14 million over the next 16 months to relocate the rental car operation and an additional $12 million for the Terminal Expansion in fiscal year ?09. Eglin?s chairman of the Enhancement Committee, Bob Arnold, has repeatedly told those asking the question that there is not any attempt nor plans to close VPS now or in the future.
You?re continued support and interest in the Okaloosa County Airports is truly appreciated.
Regards,
Jerry Sealy,
Airports Director