Mike Salsbury/The Olympian
A charter jet from San Jose, Calif., departs Olympia Regional Airport on Monday afternoon. It was one of six jets using the airport Monday. Commercial passenger service at the airport ended in 1995, but the Port of Olympia hopes to lure Big Sky Airlines. The airport accommodates an average of 40 corporate passenger flights per month, not counting companies such as Intel that house planes here.

Big Sky supporters, critics sound off

Port commissioners weigh testimony praising travel ease, attacking noise, pollution

SCOTT WYLAND THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- The idea of reviving commercial passenger service at Olympia Regional Airport drew over- whelming support Monday from community leaders, and sharp criticism from people who live near the flight path.

About two dozen people testified to Port of Olympia commissioners about the effect they think Montana-based Big Sky Airlines would have on South Sound if it flew 19-seat, turbo-prop planes from the airport to Portland and Spokane.

Proponents said Big Sky would spare travelers a hassle-filled drive to Seattle and entice more businesses to locate in South Sound. Critics contend that restoring passenger service would create noise, air pollution and expense to taxpayers.

"We're very excited about the prospect of Big Sky coming to our community," said Grant Fredericks, of the state Department of General Administration.

If Big Sky commits, the state will sign contracts to book employees on flights, Fredericks said.

"I'm speaking against this," said Patte King, who lives two miles from the airport. "You're talking about the businesses. I don't see where you're considering the residents of Tumwater."

King was among a half-dozen airport neighbors who went to Lacey City Hall on Monday to voice opposition to more air traffic.

Big Sky would pilot between 180 and 210 flights a month. The airport now accommodates roughly 40 corporate passenger flights monthly, not counting companies such as Intel that house private planes at the airport.

The port plans to persuade businesses and government agencies to put money into a no-risk "travel bank" to show Big Sky that demand for tickets exists.

Big Sky has asked for $250,000 to $300,000 upfront, enough to get the carrier through the first several months, said Wendy Holden, port deputy director.

Eight carriers

The airport has been without regular passenger service since Harbor Air pulled out in 1995. Eight carriers have come and gone since 1973.

"We need to balance our concerns about the history with our desire for reliable service," Holden said.

The port has been talking with Big Sky since last year. Four weeks ago, two company executives visited the airport and met with business and government leaders.

Big Sky leaders are now looking over a market study the port did in 2001.

Those expressing support included state Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Thurston County, the Economic Development Council of Thurston County, the Olympia Thurston Chamber of Commerce, the Olympia Business Roundtable, and Olympia and Tumwater city officials.

Bringing in a new carrier would have an adverse impact on many Tumwater residents and would benefit just a few businesses, said Linda Robin, who lives about four miles from the airport.

The main objective is to spare business travelers an hour's drive to Seattle, even if more planes would be disruptive to neighbors' home lives, Robin said.

"I find this a very entitled attitude," Robin said.

But Tom Iovanne, a tourism advocate, said driving to Seattle causes a steady stream of noise pollution.

"You're sharing that noise" all along the freeway, he said.

Earl Pearson, a pilot who owned a regional airline in Port Angeles, said much of the federal money used to upgrade the airport would come from a fund that aviators pay into.

Pearson also dismissed concerns about prop planes diminishing air quality.

"Air pollution -- I don't know how it can be brought up at all in this room, when you've got I-5 sitting out there," Pearson said. "An airplane doesn't do that."

Regular passenger flights are needed to stimulate tourism and make South Sound appealing to businesses that are thinking about moving here, said Robin Pollard, a state economic development official.

Economic questions

But Jesse Norman, who lives on the flight path, questioned how much a half-dozen flights a day could enhance the economy.

"I don't see how that would be that helpful to the community," Norman said.

Frank Dare, a state worker, said he would like to know what ticket prices will be, and what the public will pay in taxes.

"What's this going to cost us?" he asked.

Having passenger service in Tumwater would be especially convenient to people who live in areas outside Thurston County, said Don Brown, a small-business owner and Mason County resident.

Commuting to Sea-Tac International Airport takes him more than two hours, Brown said.

"I understand the concerns of the people (who live) in the flight pattern," Brown said. "But it's not for the benefit of a select few."

Port of Olympia meetings

The Port of Olympia Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. April 8 at the TCTVs studio, 440 Yauger Way, Suite C, Olympia.

The meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and will be televised. Each taped session will air on Channel 3 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. Thursday the week of the meeting.

For more information call 360-528-8000.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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