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USA Today mentions Benson
Airport in report on wasteful funding
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Benson Municipal Airport was mentioned in the Sept. 17 edition of USA Today, listed as a non-passenger airport that receives thousands of dollars every year in grant funding.
The article, written by Thomas Frank, criticizes the federal government for giving out more than $15 billion in grant funding to general aviation airports that are usually tucked away on country roads and industrial byways. This year, small airports will be getting $1.2 billion.
There are 2,834 general aviation airports nationwide, and none of them schedule passenger flights.
Critics of the Airport Improvement Program say these small airports, with mostly recreational planes, are getting billions in grant funding, while the 139 well-known larger airports continue to struggle.
USA Today lists Benson as one of those general aviation airports benefiting from grant funding each year. The airport, located off Ocotillo Road several miles north of 4th Street, was built in the 1990s using $8 million of federal grant funding.
Citing FAA records, Franklin said the Benson Airport sees just 21 planes per day.
Besides receiving federal grant funding, with millions coming this year to expand the runway, the airport is also costly to the city's taxpayers.
City Finance Director Jim Cox estimated that the city lost $60,071 last year, noting that the airport's expenses will always outweigh the revenues.
With about 28 tenants, the 2009-10 budget projects $18,000 in actual revenues. The city's general fund is projected to put $83,800 toward the airport budget to cover an estimated $101,800 in expenses.
Some of those expenses included paying fixed-based operator Southwestern Aviation $1,000 a month to provide security.
Despite the costs, Cox called the airport an asset to the community.
"We are a growing community, and it's more like a city park or swimming pool. We will incur costs to keep it going, but we don't expect the revenues to cover all of them," he said.
Airport tenant Stephen Insalaco said he is disappointed in Frank's article.
"Of all the hundreds of general aviation airports across the country to select as an example, Mr. Frank chose to execute a hidden sneak attack on the Benson Municipal Airport, by name, and criticize the use of these federal funds in this community airport" Insalaco said in a letter. "Mr. Frank deliberately and inadequately describes the value of general aviation airports to small rural communities. General aviation airports provide a wide variety of aviation services to a community, including a staging ground for emergency response aviation aircraft supporting local and governmental law enforcement agencies, aerial fire fighting operations, news reporting platforms, commercial shipping and personnel charter flights, aerial photographic flights and municipal road and traffic advisories. And yes, general aviation airports provide value in general flight instruction."
Insalaco said the benefits of the small-town airport outweigh the costs, and he is grateful that each year the Benson City Council continues to approve funding, and grant matches as needed.
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Benson Municipal Airport was mentioned in the Sept. 17 edition of USA Today, listed as a non-passenger airport that receives thousands of dollars every year in grant funding.
The article, written by Thomas Frank, criticizes the federal government for giving out more than $15 billion in grant funding to general aviation airports that are usually tucked away on country roads and industrial byways. This year, small airports will be getting $1.2 billion.
There are 2,834 general aviation airports nationwide, and none of them schedule passenger flights.
Critics of the Airport Improvement Program say these small airports, with mostly recreational planes, are getting billions in grant funding, while the 139 well-known larger airports continue to struggle.
USA Today lists Benson as one of those general aviation airports benefiting from grant funding each year. The airport, located off Ocotillo Road several miles north of 4th Street, was built in the 1990s using $8 million of federal grant funding.
Citing FAA records, Franklin said the Benson Airport sees just 21 planes per day.
Besides receiving federal grant funding, with millions coming this year to expand the runway, the airport is also costly to the city's taxpayers.
City Finance Director Jim Cox estimated that the city lost $60,071 last year, noting that the airport's expenses will always outweigh the revenues.
With about 28 tenants, the 2009-10 budget projects $18,000 in actual revenues. The city's general fund is projected to put $83,800 toward the airport budget to cover an estimated $101,800 in expenses.
Some of those expenses included paying fixed-based operator Southwestern Aviation $1,000 a month to provide security.
Despite the costs, Cox called the airport an asset to the community.
"We are a growing community, and it's more like a city park or swimming pool. We will incur costs to keep it going, but we don't expect the revenues to cover all of them," he said.
Airport tenant Stephen Insalaco said he is disappointed in Frank's article.
"Of all the hundreds of general aviation airports across the country to select as an example, Mr. Frank chose to execute a hidden sneak attack on the Benson Municipal Airport, by name, and criticize the use of these federal funds in this community airport" Insalaco said in a letter. "Mr. Frank deliberately and inadequately describes the value of general aviation airports to small rural communities. General aviation airports provide a wide variety of aviation services to a community, including a staging ground for emergency response aviation aircraft supporting local and governmental law enforcement agencies, aerial fire fighting operations, news reporting platforms, commercial shipping and personnel charter flights, aerial photographic flights and municipal road and traffic advisories. And yes, general aviation airports provide value in general flight instruction."
Insalaco said the benefits of the small-town airport outweigh the costs, and he is grateful that each year the Benson City Council continues to approve funding, and grant matches as needed.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
WTH wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:51 AM:
" A man wanted a racehorse. He did not need a racehorse or know anything about racehorses but some of his rich neighbors had racehorses and everyone should be impressed. He finds someone who will help pay for the racehorse (matching grant) and lays out millions of his own for the racehorse. He then finds he also will need a stable, training track, trainer, grooms and veterinarian care. He spends even more money to keep up the appearance. He learns the horse is unable to race because it is just slow. The horse turns mean, so he has it gelded.
The man still has a racehorse he can show off to friends and visitors. The horse has to be fed and cared for daily, costing even more money. Secretly the man is very disappointed, but will not admit it. He had such high hopes of having a great winner but ended up with a neutered nag. He learned not to pick a horse by its name. At the time he did not see how a horse with the name of Benson Airport could be a looser. "
The man still has a racehorse he can show off to friends and visitors. The horse has to be fed and cared for daily, costing even more money. Secretly the man is very disappointed, but will not admit it. He had such high hopes of having a great winner but ended up with a neutered nag. He learned not to pick a horse by its name. At the time he did not see how a horse with the name of Benson Airport could be a looser. "
Andrew wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:46 AM:
" Those people that oppose this type of spending obviously know nothing about economics and the multiplier effects.
Every week, people fly in to the airport bringing money to Benson. Most of the money they spend doesn't show up in the airports revenue, but its supports the local hotels, restaurants, attractions (especially the caverns) and other local businesses. Without the airport I guarantee you these people wouldn't be anywhere near Benson.
The businesses at the airport employ local people. Both the businesses and those employees spend their income in Benson.
People from 50 miles around (and some from much further) regularly drive to Benson to use the services at the airport. Many of them I know stop and shop at other businesses in Benson while they are here. More would come and come more often if the road to the airport wasn't so embarrassingly terrible.
The federal grants given to Benson and the airport, bring a great deal of money into Benson (roughly 20 times more than the cities share) employing far more people than the city could employ alone. "
Every week, people fly in to the airport bringing money to Benson. Most of the money they spend doesn't show up in the airports revenue, but its supports the local hotels, restaurants, attractions (especially the caverns) and other local businesses. Without the airport I guarantee you these people wouldn't be anywhere near Benson.
The businesses at the airport employ local people. Both the businesses and those employees spend their income in Benson.
People from 50 miles around (and some from much further) regularly drive to Benson to use the services at the airport. Many of them I know stop and shop at other businesses in Benson while they are here. More would come and come more often if the road to the airport wasn't so embarrassingly terrible.
The federal grants given to Benson and the airport, bring a great deal of money into Benson (roughly 20 times more than the cities share) employing far more people than the city could employ alone. "
Mike wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:57 AM:
" Most of the aircraft at the Benson airport may be privately owned, but most of the activity at Benson airport and at small airports isn't a result of those aircraft. The bulk of operations (landings and takeoffs, how the FAA counts airport and aircraft interactions) at small airports is a result of aviation related businesses such as areal survey, medical transport, cargo transport, and pilot training. Benson airport is regularly used for hours and hours each week for practice by helicopters form the local military bases and border patrol.
Anybody that thinks airline travel is annoying now should seriously consider what it would be like if airlines had to be scheduled in between all the practicing military aircraft, trainee pilots and other air traffic that currently uses smaller reliever airports. (Benson airport is named in official Tucson Airport Authority documents as a reviler airport for Tucson International.)
And if you think that only rich people own aircraft you haven't been to a small airport. Most of planes in the parking area are old and probably cost a lot less than your average new family car. They are owned by local hard working people, mechanics, bookkeepers, landscapers, real estate agents, shopkeepers, salesman, soldiers and even priests. "
Anybody that thinks airline travel is annoying now should seriously consider what it would be like if airlines had to be scheduled in between all the practicing military aircraft, trainee pilots and other air traffic that currently uses smaller reliever airports. (Benson airport is named in official Tucson Airport Authority documents as a reviler airport for Tucson International.)
And if you think that only rich people own aircraft you haven't been to a small airport. Most of planes in the parking area are old and probably cost a lot less than your average new family car. They are owned by local hard working people, mechanics, bookkeepers, landscapers, real estate agents, shopkeepers, salesman, soldiers and even priests. "
Billy wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:44 PM:
" Andrew says:
"The federal grants given to Benson and the airport, bring a great deal of money into Benson (roughly 20 times more than the cities share) employing far more people than the city could employ alone. "
Questions: Do these federal grants fall from the sky, or are they also our tax dollars?
How many people who pay Benson City tax own aircraft?
No city sales tax is collected at the caverns. The city is still losing money!!!!! "
"The federal grants given to Benson and the airport, bring a great deal of money into Benson (roughly 20 times more than the cities share) employing far more people than the city could employ alone. "
Questions: Do these federal grants fall from the sky, or are they also our tax dollars?
How many people who pay Benson City tax own aircraft?
No city sales tax is collected at the caverns. The city is still losing money!!!!! "
Andrew wrote on Oct 1, 2009 4:23 PM:
" So your argument is that the caverns don't charge sales tax so that's the airports fault.
As far as I'm concerned the caverns should charge sales tax, but even without sales tax, do you think people magically teleport from the airport into a cavern and back. No, they stop for lunch in town, they buy gas, and generally frequent local businesses that employ local people so that we can have the pleasure of feeding our families and paying our taxes. "
As far as I'm concerned the caverns should charge sales tax, but even without sales tax, do you think people magically teleport from the airport into a cavern and back. No, they stop for lunch in town, they buy gas, and generally frequent local businesses that employ local people so that we can have the pleasure of feeding our families and paying our taxes. "
OMG wrote on Oct 1, 2009 6:00 PM:
" The racehorse analogy is just wrong, you make it sound like we bought Phoenix Sky Harbor. We paid for an acorn. With the hard work of the businesses and volunteers at the airport and the support of the city it is now a sapling. With the continued hard work and support of everyone involved and a bit of luck, it will grow to be a mighty Oak. "
Pete wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:46 AM:
" The Sierra Vista Airport is much more convenient for people flying in to visit the caverns. Benson Airport caters to a elite few, at the expense of the Benson taxpayers. If the city is willing to lose $60,000.00 each year, put it into a recycling program that helps everyone. "
cdg wrote on Oct 2, 2009 12:09 PM:
" I'd rather see federal grant money going to support a local airport than for some of the other things that our taxpayer dollars (and deficit spending, which causes inflation) pay for. "
AV8OR wrote on Oct 2, 2009 10:58 PM:
" Pete, if you knew anything about flying and airports you'd know that the Sierra Vista airport sits in the middle of a large chunk of restricted airspace. Many pilots don't even realize you can fly in to restricted airspace, and many of those that do just don't want the hassle. Benson airport actually has more services than Sierra Vista to attract other aircraft. Sierra Vista doesn't even have an FBO, so no pilot supplies, limited times you can get fuel, the only aircraft available for rent in Sierra Vista are operated by Southwestern Aviation the Benson FBO. Benson also has a better maintenance setup. Southwestern Aviation and Vertical Performance are to be commended for their dedication to the airport, which if fully accounted for in dollar figures would probably match the money spent by the city. "
voter wrote on Oct 5, 2009 11:43 AM:
" It appears the pro Benson Airport comments are from the few blessed souls who have airplanes and therefore expect special treatment. Most of their comments seem to be talking down to the non aircraft owner.
The anti airport comments are from taxpayers who are not part of that special interest group. Citizens who don’t like paying taxes for services used only by a select few.
This subject should be put on a referendum. Let the voters decide. "
The anti airport comments are from taxpayers who are not part of that special interest group. Citizens who don’t like paying taxes for services used only by a select few.
This subject should be put on a referendum. Let the voters decide. "
another voter wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:32 AM:
" Dear Mr. Voter,
It appears to me that you are grossly misinformed about general aviation and how it affects the entire community. As has been stated previously, municipal airports are regularly used by emergency services and military personnel. Small town airports are vital to our economy by regularly providing refueling services to emergency aircraft (including Lifenet's Medevac units), as well as vital weather information, and flight instruction for our future pilots.
As has also been stated previously, municipal airports bring large amounts of business into the small towns they represent. So while the airport's own revenue (fuel sales, tie down, and hanger costs) may not meet the expenses necessary to maintain those services, the revenue that the pilots bring to the rest of the community by having those services far outweighs the expense. Pilots bring revenue to the local restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, shops, banks, and other businesses.
So on one hand you have "dog walkers" and supposed "students" who generally consider themselves entitled to a fully funded city park and pool... On the other hand you have pilots, who benefit the community every day by the revenue they bring into it, being bastardized for even having an airport to fly into and out of... That same airport that, once again, is regularly used by emergency services and military operations units.
I might also mention that the voters have already decided to fund the airport. You all voted in the Benson City Council, which has made the decision, and rightly so, to fund the Benson Municipal Airport... "
It appears to me that you are grossly misinformed about general aviation and how it affects the entire community. As has been stated previously, municipal airports are regularly used by emergency services and military personnel. Small town airports are vital to our economy by regularly providing refueling services to emergency aircraft (including Lifenet's Medevac units), as well as vital weather information, and flight instruction for our future pilots.
As has also been stated previously, municipal airports bring large amounts of business into the small towns they represent. So while the airport's own revenue (fuel sales, tie down, and hanger costs) may not meet the expenses necessary to maintain those services, the revenue that the pilots bring to the rest of the community by having those services far outweighs the expense. Pilots bring revenue to the local restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, shops, banks, and other businesses.
So on one hand you have "dog walkers" and supposed "students" who generally consider themselves entitled to a fully funded city park and pool... On the other hand you have pilots, who benefit the community every day by the revenue they bring into it, being bastardized for even having an airport to fly into and out of... That same airport that, once again, is regularly used by emergency services and military operations units.
I might also mention that the voters have already decided to fund the airport. You all voted in the Benson City Council, which has made the decision, and rightly so, to fund the Benson Municipal Airport... "
Billy wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:03 AM:
“City Finance Director Jim Cox estimated that the city lost $60,071 last year, noting that the airport's expenses will always outweigh the revenues.”
The airport serves only a very small handful of people, most who do not live in the city. Comparing this waste of space and money to a public park or swimming pool is ridicules. Close the airport down and hire a building inspector so even more city bucks are not doled out to a very select Tucson firm. "