12/04/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Representative Carl Hosticka, 870 Fox Glen, said the airport is very important - for the area's economic diversification. He will indicate his opinion in a letter which can be attached to the application. Representative Ron Eachus, 1250 Sunny Drive, commended the council on the process which established the Eugene Agenda and resulted in the Eugene airport receiving the highest priority. He opposed the City income tax earlier this fall, but he said that position had nothing to do with the value of the Eugene Agenda or the importance of the Eugene airport. He supports economic development in the city and the development of the airport. Mr. Eachus said the City's application complies with the intent of the legislation which created the Oregon Public Works Infrastructure Fund. He said the airport serves about one quarter of the state's population in six counties and the projects will have an economic impact on all that area. He said the projects will provide for the future, which was what the legislators intended when they created the fund. Mr. Eachus became especially aware of the importance of the Eugene airport when he attended a meeting of the Southern Willamette Research Cooridor and became active in seeking funds for site studies necessary to pursue the Superconducting Super Col1ider project. He wished to support the City's application and will indicate that support in a letter which can be attached to the application. William Bruce Chase, 3 Chevy Chase, is chairman of the Eugene Airport e Commission and president of Chase Gardens, Inc. He said the expansion of the airport is extremely important to the southern Wil1amette Valley and the rest of the state. He said much planning, land acquisition, engineering design, and architectural work have been done at the airport. Major investments have been made in drainage which makes runways and taxiways meet or exceed industry standards. Excellent fire protection is provided. He said public support for expanding the terminal was evidenced during the Eugene Agenda public meetings. He emphasized the need for approval of the application because the projects cannot be funded by the FAA. Mr. Chase said Chase Gardens is Oregon's second largest air freight user. It needs a good terminal for air freight to the nation's major markets to maintain its position and grow. The recent changes in service to the east have made it possible for Chase Gardens to send from Eugene about half of the freight it formerly sent from Portland. He said other companies and the University of Oregon also need expanded freight and passenger service. Good airports and air service build economic strength and growth. Approval of the application is the best way to invest the money the legislature earmarked for economic growth. Mayor Obie said he received a letter supporting the application from Senator Ed Fadeley. Senator Fadeley suggested the letter be attached to the application. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 4, 1985 Page 4