Four years of self-sustained operation of local airport

Carl Youman, Chairman of the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority, informed local Historic City News reporters that at last evening’s final public hearing, the Airport Authority once again voted not to assess ad valorem taxes, making this its fourth year of self-sustenance.

The Authority adopted a final budget of $9,543,975 for the upcoming 2013-14 Fiscal Year during its meeting held at the airport’s Conference Center and adopted another “zero” millage resolution.

“We are excited to again be able to continue the projects and programs important to our community — without the need for local taxes” Youman said.

Making up nearly one-quarter of the Authority’s Budget in the ensuing year are several planned capital projects aimed at enhancing airfield ground access and pavement rehabilitation at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. These important projects are being majority funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through a grant exclusively facilitated by aviation fuel users and airline passenger ticket taxes.

Mr. Robert Cox, Airport Authority Secretary/Treasurer commented: “The Aviation Trust
Fund is an essential funding component of airport capital projects throughout the nation.” Cox added: “We are grateful to the FAA and FDOT, as well as, Rep. Ron DeSantis for
his continued support of the airport as a vital community and economic asset.”