The Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP)—a coalition made up of local businesses, schools, and pilots, as well as national aviation organizations—issued the following statement ahead of the upcoming Cleveland City Council Transportation and Mobility Committee hearing on the future of Burke Lakefront Airport:
We appreciate Committee Chairman Charles Slife for inviting airport stakeholders and supporters to show why Burke Lakefront Airport continues to serve vital needs for Cleveland residents, northeast Ohio, and the entire country. We also appreciate recent comments from FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Ohio Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, who all oppose closing the airport.
Now that the option of closing the airport is off the table, the time has come to focus on the future of Burke Lakefront Airport. The mayor has blocked investment, forcing the airport into a state of engineered decline that makes it appear far less healthy than it could be.
Despite his efforts, the airport continues to be a vital hub for people facing medical emergencies, businesses, and students. The new Ohio Airport System Plan, released by the Ohio Department of Transportation, says Burke Lakefront has a nearly $200 million economic impact each year and supports more than 660 jobs.
The LAPP looks forward to the October 7 hearing, and helping city council understand the facts about Burke Lakefront and the investments that operators are ready and willing to make. These investments will not only revitalize Burke Lakefront Airport but will also support bringing new businesses and jobs into the city.
