JANUARY 2008: AROUND THE STATE
Baker embraces airport potential
BAKER CITY The
positive effects of Oregon Senate Bill 680 were up for debate
in Scappoose and Aurora, but in Baker City, arms are open to
plans for an airport, which could mean economic growth for the
rural town.
The bill allows for growth at these three rural airports, to
spur the economy and set an example for other rural airports in
the state. Though it comes with no money attached, the bill
helps all government agencies with a hand in airport
development better work together. “No one was focusing on
aviation to help rural communities participate in the overall
economy,” says Ted Millar, owner of South End Airpark in
Aurora. “[The bill] applies existing laws to rural
airports.”
The bill was introduced by Sen. Betsy Johnson of Scappoose,
who was under fire last summer when it became clear that her
husband’s business – next to the Scappoose airport
– would benefit. Millar, whose airpark also profits from
the bill, was criticized for urging development in Aurora.
Opponents say Aurora is 10 miles from many of Oregon’s
fastest-growing cities and 30 minutes from Portland –
hardly a rural town. So the Baker City Airport, with its 400
acres of undeveloped land, is the new poster child for the
bill.
The timing is perfect for Baker City, where the airport
is revising its FAA-mandated master plan, which must be done
every 10 years. As the city plans for upkeep and expansion at
the airport under the master plan, it is also forming an
economic plan to address four goals: a light industry center, a
visitor portal, resident transportation and future scheduled
airline service.
Jake Jacobs, an airport commissioner, says they hope to
attract small aircraft manufacturers and aviation-related
businesses, like those in central Oregon, and other statewide
companies that want to keep the company jet next door for easy
travel. “An industrial park turns the airport into a
taxpayer for the city,” Jacobs says, noting the airport
currently costs the city money to operate.
Many businesses – and people – looking to locate
in Baker City ultimately go elsewhere because there is no
scheduled flight service. While Jacobs says it’s almost
impossible that Delta or United will ever serve the airport,
there are alternatives with very light jets.
Everything is just in the planning stages, and Jacobs says it
will be at least a couple of years before there is noticeable
progress. Steve Brocato, city manager of Baker City, says there
are concerns that the city could grow too fast. The airport
neighbors ranches and farmland, so plans are being developed to
ensure the community is on board, Brocato
says. AMBER NOBE
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