The frontiersman., 1954-04-15
CITY MAY BE ASKED
 TAKE OVER AIRPORT

We would like to have the City of Palmer take over owner ship of the Palmer Airport Max Kirkpatrick of the Third Division Territorial Board of Aviation told members of the local Airmens' Association at a meeting held April g.
 Our department hasn't got cent to spend on maintenance" Kirkpatrick stated. What funds are available to us are used in the construction of new airports, he added. In explaining the depart ment's stand on the dispersment of funds, explained that by Ter ritorial law no maintenance may be performed on an airport built in or for a municipality of 500 or more inhabitants. The only ex- penditures that may legally be made are for improvements he added.
 A lengthy discussion period where questions and answers flew back and forth followed his announcements. The local aVia- ton association has for some time sought help from the territory for snow removal, gravel for the run ways, and fill for an eroded sec tion of the field. The meeting, to which members of the City Council and local Chamber of Commerce were invited, was planned to discuss ways and means of getting the necessary maintenance work done.
 Kirkpatrick explained to the group that the only source of in- come the department has is one third of the motor fuel tax plus all aviation gas tax, providing the latter amount does not exceed the amount received from the motor fuel tax.
 Since 1949 we have spent S1,- 500.O00 in the territory, he point ed out. There is a big need for construction work in the First Division and the lower part of the Fourth Division where ade- quate landing fields are needed for DC-3's.
 Among suggestions, most often referred to in his talk, was that the City of Palmer take over the local field. Questions put to Kirk patrick by Mayor Don McKech- nie and Councilwoman Betty Mears brought out the fact that although the Territorial Depart ment of Aviation did sign an agreement with the CAA to main tain the local field, it is now bound by legislature from spend ing any money on maintenance. This has been in effect, Kirk patrick said, since the time the City of Palmer was incorporat- ed.
 As solution to the present problem, which appears to be whether or not there will be field here very long, Kirkpatrick suggested the airmen formulate a workable plan whereby the field can be put on a paying bas- IS, present this plan to the City of Palmer, and request that the City take over the airport, and in turn lease the field and facil- ities to the local association.
 Herman Porter, recently ap- pointed territorial director of av- lation, was present and assisted Kirkpatrick in answering some of the questions. Following the meet ing he showed a film, "The Fly ing Business Man."
 During the business meeting, Ralph Farnsworth, association president, appointed Brian Gle worth as laison man between the association and the local Civil Defense organization. Rene Neil sen, Jerry Harrison, and Al Dick oW were named to the groups aviation safety committee.
 FarnsWorth also announced a public dance and party to be held Saturday, May l at the Elks hall for the 99'erS, an association com posed of women flyers.