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Residents, business owners urge Clare County commissioners to restore airport funding
Summary
Dozens of residents and local business owners urged the Clare County Board of Commissioners to restore a $20,000 appropriation for the county airport, saying the facility supports local spending, jobs and emergency operations. Commenters asked the board to delay or reverse the defunding decision and hold further committee discussion.
Dozens of residents and business owners pressed the Clare County Board of Commissioners during public comment to restore county funding for the Harrison/Clare County airport, saying the $20,000 cut would harm local commerce and emergency response.
"I came here for a couple reasons... I really want you guys to consider passing that resolution so that the building that they need could be constructed," said Pat Adams, who identified herself as a longtime resident and community volunteer. Business owner Daryl Peterson told commissioners his restaurant and 14 employees depend on airport traffic: "Who's gonna compensate me for that 10 years of business?"
Others described the airport as a small but important economic driver and a regional asset. "I bought here specifically because of the convenience of the airport," said Robert Ash, who said airport users bring spending to local businesses. Mark Auger, who said he has been flying into the airport for 25 years, and another speaker said the facility makes Clare more attractive to visitors.
Speakers on both sides also questioned the process that led to the funding cut. One commenter said the decision to defund the airport appeared to be made without a clear timeline or warning to local partners, and several urged the board to allow more time for coordination with Harrison and Hayes Township. A different speaker disputed characterizations that airport hangars were being misused, saying to the board: "None of us are drug dealers."
County officials and other participants said the funding change was a policy decision for the board to set. Commissioners scheduled a follow-up discussion at the airport committee; the committee meeting was announced for Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. in the same room. The board did not reverse the funding action at this meeting.
Next steps: the board invited questions from commenters and directed staff and the airport committee to continue the discussion at the scheduled committee meeting.
