Airport remains off local tax rolls

Carl Youman told Historic City News reporters at their final public hearing last week, that the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority unanimously adopted a “zero” millage rate resolution; marking the third year of self-sustenance without relying on ad valorem taxes.

The Airport Authority made the resolution official during its final public hearing held in the Conference Center at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, where the Historic City Newsroom is located. They adopted a final budget of $7,914,053 for the upcoming 2012-13 fiscal year.

“We are excited to again be able to continue the projects and programs important to our community without the need for local taxes” said Youman, who is Chairman of the Airport Authority.

Making up nearly half of the Authority’s Budget next year are several planned projects aimed at providing the design and engineering necessary for additional pavement rehabilitation at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

The “design-only” projects are being funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through a grant exclusively facilitated by aviation fuel users and airline passenger ticket taxes.

“The Aviation Trust Fund is an essential component of the funding of airport capital projects throughout the nation,” Airport Authority Secretary Treasurer James Werter said. “We would like to thank the FAA, FDOT, and past support from our Congressman, John Mica; for their continual support of the airport as a vital community and economic development asset.”