We remain passionately neutral about the Wright Amendment. Gramm favors leaving the flight restrictions in place. That's just a fact of life. The federal restrictions bar nonstop commercial flights from Love Field beyond Texas and its four adjoining states. Noting that DFW has become one of the nation's busiest airports, Shelby and other amendment foes argue the need for the law has long passed.
Travelers are penalized by higher fares into Dallas, they say.
Nearly 65 percent of 605 registered voters in Dallas and Tarrant counties believe the Wright Amendment should be repealed, according to a poll released Thursday by the Association for Sensible Aviation Policy, formerly The Friends of Love Field. The study's margin of error is less than 3.5 percentage points. Most lawmakers representing the region contend the law is needed to keep harmony between the two airports and the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. They also warn of safety and noise ramifications for Dallas neighborhoods if Love Field air traffic is increased. The Fort Worth City Council this week unanimously approved a resolution condemning Shelby's efforts.