WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Airport’s fate remains uncertain

Karina Andrew reports from the Island County Commissioners work session of Nov. 2, 2022.

At a recent Island County Board of Commissioners work session, commissioners said that no government entities have made a firm commitment to own and operate the airport, despite the county’s offer of financial assistance.

They Said It

County Administrator Michael Jones advised commissioners not to purchase the airport or even apply for grants to complete a feasibility study without a firm commitment from another entity to be the owner and operator of the airport...“If no one has the capacity, if no one has stepped up to the plate in that regard, I think it’s premature to do a feasibility study,” he said.

Port of Coupeville Executive Director Chris Michalopoulos said that the port is still exploring potential financial partners.

City Administrator Blaine Oborn has previously asserted to the county that there is interest in the project at the city level, though Jones said the city has been likewise noncommittal up to this point.

“I think that somebody has to take some kind of leadership on this,” Commissioner Melanie Bacon said. “I’m sorry to say that I don’t see anyone except the county being willing to take leadership on this.”

Commissioner Janet St. Clair said she didn’t think a funder would award a grant for a study without a lead entity even if the county were to apply.