5 March 2003 

Dear Friends, 

Many thanks to all of you who helped to get the Airport Exploratory Study (AES) approved by our Martin County Commission on March 18th 2003. 

Relocation, downsizing, or closure ~ are these options possible, and at what cost? 
WAAM’s goal in seeking this study is to have our Martin County government provide the people with a coherent, definitive document detailing the conditions that would have to be in place in order for any of these options to be viable. This initial exploratory study (AES) is not meant to be the end-all study, but a study to provide direction for a more in-depth study once the possibilities have been determined. 

Many current residents and newcomers are unaware of the complexities involved in issues of the Urban Services District, the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan and wetlands/environmental concerns that are specific to Martin County.
It is WAAM’s belief that a thorough explanation of these issues will enable the public and their representatives to focus on those options that may prove to be the most plausible to implement. 

We thank County Administration for considering our input into the scope of work for the study. Our involvement has been strictly to ensure that the documented results be credible to our membership and the people of Martin County. It has always been our belief that the consultants chosen should be fair, impartial, and free of bias toward or against any given option.

Our input reflected this view and was endorsed by Airport staff and Mr. Peter Kirsch (team leader of the AES). 
The airport-planning firm chosen by Mr. Kirsch is considered to be the “Cadillac” of the industry. Another consultant chosen for the study who has impeccable credentials is a recently retired FAA senior manager with expert knowledge in Federal and State aviation policy. The engineering firm chosen is well respected and has done extensive work for Martin County in the past. Consultants who are highly regarded for their professionalism and expertise will examine environmental concerns. 
The conclusions reached by the study must be untainted. It is imperative that the results have the complete confidence of the public, government officials and any special interest group(s). 

We understand that some Indiantown residents would not welcome a change in the character of their airfield, even though it could be an economic asset to their community. It is a point of view we wish had been considered when Witham Field underwent its transformation into the Martin County Jetport in 1998. Our membership would oppose locating the airport anywhere that would transfer an unwelcome burden to another community. Enhancing and growing the current Indiantown airport is a decision that the entire community of Indiantown must make. It is not a decision that can be made for them. For purposes of the study Indiantown does however represent a site that is within the Urban Services District. Mr. Kirsch assures us that all the sites to be considered in the AES are merely models to calculate cost and impact. 

We remain hopeful that the Airport Exploratory Study will provide guidance toward an achievable solution to the worsening conditions that Martin County citizens must now endure both day and night from an ever-expanding Jetport in the heart of Stuart. These conditions have made everyday life intolerable for many of us.

The options that can never give relief to our citizens are maintaining the status quo or continuing the growth at the Airport’s present location. It will surely destroy the unique and beautiful way of life that all Martin County residents have come to cherish and enjoy. 


Lynne Pine, President, 
For the WAAM Board of Directors