The following was added to the AOPA “It’s Your Airport” Handout which was given to 500 people that visited the B17
FUN FACTS ABOUT VENICE COMMUNITY AIRPORT (VNC)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VNC – Feb. 2008 marks the 60th year of city ownership!
Visit www.veniceaviationsociety.com
VASI meets the 3rd Wed. of Sep - Nov, Jan - April, 7:30pm Venice City Hall
Nonmembers are always welcome to attend meetings
Safety of airport operations is rule #1
The proposed Master Plan Update provides a 20 year blueprint to bring a WW II U.S. Army Air Corps training field up to modern standards. It makes a safe airport safer. It does not expand the airport.
- The Army Air Corps base property went from the current airfield to the Island Hospital, West to the Gulf and into South Venice.
- VNC was sold (not given) to the city. Terms of the sale included the stipulation that it remain open as an airport (and be properly maintained) or the property would revert back to the Federal Government.
- VNC is part of our national transportation infrastructure.
- VNC is a key component in regional disaster relief plans.
- The airport generates its own funds. The taxpayers of Venice do not support the airport with their tax dollars. The airport pays the city for services such as Fire and Police protection.
- The airport is an economic engine for the Venice region: it generates over $22 million a year in direct activity and over $39 million a year in total economic impact (2000 Master Plan).
- Capital improvements for the airport are funded thru FAA and FDOT grants. The airport reserve also provides funds for these improvements.
- FAA and DOT grant monies are a partial return of aviation fees and taxes paid by pilots and aircraft owners.
- In 2006 the City accepted $ 5,000,000 in grants. When accepting a grant the City agrees to keep the airport open for 20 more years and not discriminate against aircraft permitted to use the field.
- In order for the FAA to agree to move VNC the following condition must first occur:
*The new airport must be open and operating.
* It must be equal to or better than the current airport in terms of facilities.
- Today it would cost over $120 million to purchase land (where?) and build a new VNC. The city would have to float a bond issue. Taxpayers could expect tax increases not decreases for the life of that bond.
- The airport is part of the cultural history of Venice; many take visitors there to look at air operations.
- Many pilots are members of Angel Flight and provide fee medical evacuation services for local citizens.
- Pilots are members of the community and practice and encourage visitors to use “Fly Friendly” procedures.
- Airports build cities, cities do not build airports.
- It’s an airport with a golf course not a golf course with an airport.
- Have an interest in the airport or aviation? Join VASI, attend a meeting, have fun!
