Staff editorial
More hangars means more money, but history is precious
Recently, the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors approved a measure to build an additional 32 hangars at the Culpeper Regional Airport.
We've heard from both sides when it comes to the issue, with airport supporters pointing out the financial advantages of expanding the airport and the preservationists contending that it could interfere with the Brandy Station battlefield.
Let's look at the facts — additional hangars will mean more planes and more planes means more fuel.
More fuel means more money.
The airport became self-sustaining in Fiscal Year 2014, paying off the existing hangars in July.
Some on the frugal side would say good, make some money before taking out a loan for $2.6 million to expand.
However, to make money, you have to spend money.
By adding the 32 hangars — six corporate and 26 general aviation — more pilots will come to Culpeper to house their planes. The more planes stationed in Culpeper means more fuel sold, which will help create revenue.
It all makes sense, until you take into account the historic impact.
Yes, the airport sits on a portion of the Brandy Station battlefield, a decision that was made decades ago and it's land that is forever lost. Yes, the airport is not buying land but only using what is already allotted to it. It's footprint will not grow beyond its fenced in borders.
However, as some pointed out at a public hearing on the subject, the noise from aircraft can drone out ones thoughts while touring the nearby battlefield.
There was a suggestion that the county should try to take advantage of the battlefield and use it as more of a tourist attraction, by adding additional planes and hence, more flights, the opportunity to push a tourist attraction diminishes.
In the end, we support the county's decision to build the hangars. It could be a boon and help keep personal property taxes low, as taxpayers money won't have to be spent on the airport.
However, we will suggest that, if possible, some of the money made be earmarked to help promote Culpeper's battlefields.
It's a win-win situation.
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