Ghent – Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) recently sent a letter to Pat Grattan, Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, asking him to hold off on plans to expand the Columbia County Airport until a comprehensive study on the impact of the expansion has been completed, and is followed by a full public review. “Spending millions of taxpayer dollars without having all the facts and questions answered is not only unwise, but irresponsible,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “We deserve to know how this project is being carried out and how it will affect our community before any ground is broken. We have a right to ask questions about a project that is being heavily funded by hard-earned tax dollars, and we deserve answers.” Recently, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with eminent domain proceedings against the owner of the Meadow Greens Golf Course which currently sits in the airport’s proposed expansion zone. A number of questions from other supervisors and local residents as to the current volume of use at the airport, the need for the expansion, and the economic impact of the project remain unanswered. In fact, two Columbia County residents have recently initiated a lawsuit against the county over its failure to disclose public records regarding the airport and the planned expansion project, Barrett explained. Below is a copy of Assemblymember Barrett’s letter: October 10, 2013 Hon. Patrick M. Grattan
Chairman, Columbia County Board of Supervisors
401 State Street
Hudson, NY 12534 Dear Mr. Grattan, I have been following with much interest the plans for the proposed Columbia County Airport safety zone expansion. While I appreciate your recent effort to inform the public about this project, it is clear that many questions remain unanswered. I have heard from a number of constituents who have been seeking answers for some time regarding the need and the economics of this project. In an effort to demonstrate full transparency, I respectfully request that further county actions to expand the airport be suspended until such time as the public may be presented with information relative to the need of this project. Given the uncertain financial times each level of government is currently faced with, I’m sure you agree that it is unwise to proceed with an expenditure of this magnitude until basic questions are answered and all options have been considered in the public arena. Once this project has been fully vetted then all parties can come to an informed and responsible decision about whether or not to move forward. I look forward to partnering with the Board of Supervisors on this and other issues important to Columbia County residents. Sincerely,
Didi Barrett
Member of Assembly, 106th District CC: Full Board Membership
Mr. Kenneth J. Flood, Commissioner, Planning/Economic Development
Hon. Thomas DiNapoli, NYS Comptroller