Garfield County Considers $12 Million Airport Expansion

$12 million — that's what Garfield County commissioners are considering spending on airport expansion projects at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. This includes a second taxiway and an FAA apron for parking and fueling. The FAA may cover some of the costs with grants, but locals will still foot part of the bill.

John Jesse of Glenwood Springs thinks the country needs a wake-up call — a moment like the one in 1954 when lawyer Joseph Welch stood up to Senator Joseph McCarthy. Welch's famous line still resonates: "Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?" Jesse doubts any Republican will confront President Trump about his behavior, but hopes someone will speak truth to power.

Back to the airport spending, locals are questioning the allocation of funds. The airport serves a limited number of people, mostly wealthy individuals who don't contribute to the local economy in significant ways. They don't eat, sleep, or fill up their vehicles in Rifle or Silt. Yet, these areas bear the brunt of noise pollution and toxic jet wash from takeoffs and landings. The noise is so bad it makes conversations difficult until the jets pass.

The environmental impact is also a concern; private jets are being washed with precious water during an exceptional drought situation. This raises questions about priorities and the responsible use of resources. The Post Independent reported on the commissioner's decision, but the community is still weighing the pros and cons.

Make no mistake, this is a significant amount of money. For context, $12 million is roughly what Delta County spends on road maintenance in a year. It's worth considering how this investment will benefit the community as a whole. The short version: locals want to know if this is the best use of their tax dollars.

Garfield County residents, especially those in Rifle and Silt, should think carefully about how they want their tax dollars spent. Do they want to prioritize the needs of a small group of wealthy individuals or invest in projects that benefit the broader community? The answer to this question will reveal the values and priorities of the area.

Read that again: $12 million for airport expansion. This decision will have a lasting impact on the community. The community's response will be worth watching.

In a time when resources are scarce, and the environment is a growing concern, evaluating the consequences of such spending is crucial. The community deserves a thorough explanation of how this investment will generate positive outcomes for the area. Until then, the question remains - is this the best use of local tax dollars?

The community is waiting for a clear answer.