The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-08-15
Grayelly Point AS a Municipal
Flying Field

The initial steps for municipal" airport at Gravey
Point on the Potomac have been taken
These steps spell the beginning Of expenditures that win
finally 90 over 100000, more likely $1,600OO0
What Is deeply concerning the people Of Washington is
how win these expenditures be divided between the Federal
and District Governmental
The District Commissioner in recommending an appropria-
ton Of about $4,000 to begin development Of Grave Point
did 80 with the understanding and reservation that this
particular project the should be divided
equally between the two governments the Federal Govern.
nent to contribute If anything, the major part
General Lord Director Of the Budget has provided in the
Forthcoming budget for the initial appropriation but places it
IN the regular District appropriation bill.
The significance Of this is that permanent airport at
Cravely Point approved by Congress General Lords
basis will be strictly municipal affair." with Congress
Contributing nothing than the customary lump
81 100000 annually It's part toward all District upeep
Through this the Federal Government would virtually spend
nothing on Gravely Point
On that basis there will be widespread opposition on the
part Of District pepOe It because Of suspicion that
this would be attempted that District ppoe been luke
toward the Gravey Point scheme realizing that the
airport would be municipal" affair in only and that
The Federal Government would be the greatest beneficiary by
such construction.
future projects Of muicipal nature that they pay
Tor In taxation with the main benefits going the Federal
Government and to the people Of the nation They are whole
hertedy tired Of the unjust processes by which their taxation
Increases right along either through mounting tax rate
heavy increases in Of real estate while Uncle
Sans portion stands ct the thing each year. matter
how large the increases in annual appropriations.
Gravely Point is owned by the Federal Government II is
little than low water and marshes with big holes from
which sand and gravel have been taken in large quantities
It has long been the program Of the Chief Of Engineers Of
the Army to reclaim this for the Federal Government
This would have been done at the expense Of the Federal
Government exclusively.
made into municipal" airport GravsIy Point will still
belong to the Federal Government which will have exclusive
control Of it. the people Of the District simply paying the
money for reclamation.
Boiling Field which now the Government considerable
money the people Of the District none, will be abandoned
an Army flying field and the Government will set up its
Boiling Field plant at Gravelly Point
The Department of Commerce. in control Of aviation
The District will be interested only to the extent of provd
ing airport for commercial and pleasure planes The Dis
trct will be little than tenant in apartment house
The Federal Government interested in modern
flying field and airport for Washington than the District
Government.
For that the Federal Government should contribute
more than half Of the total cost
Unless this is DONE the District Commissioners and the
people Of Washington will hereafter refuse to recommend
projects that not strictly municipal The existing feeling
that they are not fairly treated by Congress will be nens
fed and the effect the cs progress win noticeable
Under such unhappy conditions Congress will be compelled
20 give fair and square consideration local public sentiment
or to disregard the wishes Of Washington people entirely
impose upon them whatever iniustces it sees fit.
Il