# Batfish Foundation

The basis of this project is to bring to Olympia, W A qualified and steady reliable air service. The port of Olympia is the caretaker of the Olympia Airport and for too long we have had no true regular or reliable air or transport service. Even at this ti me we do not even have light rail service and yet this is the seat of our state and as such should be served and have access to quality ai r transport service. The ability now days to be able to get pl aces and get there fast is one that will keep one ahead of others and as wonderful and efficient as rail travel is for a lot of commuters, there is nothing like the speed and efficiency of air travel to assi st in getting people to their destinations quickly in a manner th at both road and rail traffic are unable to do themselves.

Currently it seems the most usage of the Olympia Ai rport is by the Governor of the state and other high ranking politi cal figures as they use the airport to visit other parts of the state a nd elsewhere, but as far as a passenger destination and departure poi nt, there is nothing truly to speak of at all. This area is a w onderful area for not just commuters many of whom go to Seattle every day, but also as a tourist destination. And as such we should be adve rtised in both manners. This funding if we are given it will go f or both advertising AND for working with a local airline to find out co st effectiveness and reliability to be able to make the Port/city of Olympia a destination for both commuters and travelers to use on a regular basis. Also the money will also be used to also out fit one of the port of Olympia’s buildings into a nice and comfortable waiting lounge area for those who will be using the service regular as we right now do not truly have anything that one can call a comfortable waiting area for passengers. So we will be using the funding for not just the passenger comfort but also to bring more awareness of the fac ts that we do have a decent and regular flight service from this area. I would like to see a minimum of about $40- 50,000 alone to bring p assenger accommodations at the Olympia Airport up to a littl e more professional level. To begin with I foresee an advertising budg et of about$10- 15,000 to bring that awareness to the public along with a gradual shift to the airline to also bring in funds of thei r own, to help in the effort to advertise in the Olympia/Lacey/Tumwat er area. The need of an airline that is aware of the need to bring in business through their own advertising is just as important as it wi ll show that they will consider the Port of Olympia as a valued and i mportant destination. A lack of excitement will show that th e airline willreally not see us as one that will work with the su rrounding area to

make the venture stick and stay a highly placed and valued piece of both commuters and travelers alike.

Also there is the chance to use this as a leap frog to the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport or to Portland International Airport in Oregon, almost a shuttle service to deli ver people up to those hubs where they can connect with bigger airli nes and not be stuck having to make the drive or the cost of a tax i or road based shuttle service.

The other thing about finding a partner airline to serve the City of Olympia on a regular and permanent basis would be t he cost as well for them. IS it cost effective, what kind of air fares will they charge both commuters and travelers, will it be something that will work effectively as well, those that charge too much or expect individuals to pay more than the service is worth will find tha t service will die off slowly. It is understandable that there are co sts needed and necessary for the running of a regional airline, bu t not to the point that fares get too exorbitant. Also will obviously need to look into bringing in 1-2 TSA officials in order to comply wi th all rules and regulations concerning airfare and the screening of all passengers and commuters that will be using the service also and t o make sure that will be established and in place as well.

From here any other needs or modifications will be based upon the amount if we do indeed are one chosen to receive a grant for this project.Thurston County

Population in July 2009: 46,100. Population change since 2000: +8.4%

Males: 22,032 (47.8%) Females: 24,068 (52.2%)

Median resident age: 36.0 years Washing ton median age: 35.3 years

Zip codes: 98501

, 98502 , 98504, 98505, 98506 , 98507, 98508, 98512

, 98513

, 98516 , 98599.

Olympia Zip Code Map

Estimated median household income in 2009: $50,646 ( it was $40,846 in 2000 ) Olympia: $50,646 Washington: $56,548 Estimated per capita income in 2009: $28,660

Olympia city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $269,482 ( it was $140,700 in 2000 ) Olympia: $269,482 Washington: $287,200 Mean prices in 2009: All housing units: $283,781; Detached houses: $297,542; Townhouses or other attached units: $295,907; In 2-unit structures: $312,570; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $287,995; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $289,718; Mobile homes: $86,948; Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $110,475

Median gross rent in 2009: $832.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Olympia-Washington.ht ml#ixzz1rldbemh5

For map of the Thurston County area, please continu e on with this link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r _pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=608&wrapid =tlif133417765045410&q=Thurston+County+Olympia+Map&u m=1&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=0x5491c9c1ae285569:0x4f146197e2881b83,O lympia,+WA&gl=us&ei=e-- FT4LQKIPOiAKS7tjSDQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&r esnum=1&ved=0CCQQ8gEwAA