The Port of Shelton is still seeking input on the future of the Fairgrounds. Tuesday, the Port Commissioners restated their desire to hear from the public and stakeholders on what they would like to see. There are a couple of possible options: allow the Fairgrounds to continue at its current location; move the Fairgrounds and some of its buildings to another location on Port property or somewhere else in the County; or close the Fairgrounds as the FAA has said it wants. However, the Port’s attorney, Skip Houser, has recently reviewed documents relating to the Airport, including its Amended Quitclaim Deed, and came up with two questions for the Federal Aviation Administration:
Two weeks ago, the Port released a draft plan on the future of the Fairgrounds which is available on the Port’s website: www.PortofShelton.com. The plan explains the situation and spells out some of the options but so far they have only received two comments. Commissioner Dick Taylor said Tuesday they need as much input as possible before the Port Commission can make a decision.
Another thing discussed Tuesday was the Chehalis/Centralia Airport, which Commissioner Jay Hupp says is a carbon copy of Sanderson Field and has a large retail center on what used to be its cross wind runway.
According to the Port’s Executive Director John Dobson, the issues with the FAA are the Fairgrounds’ proximity to the active runway and making sure the property is leased at fair market value:
Comments on the Sanderson Field Fairgrounds Future Use Plan are being accepted until the end of July.