So, here we go again.

I’ve let you know the reaction of the City of Ilwaco’s elected officials and staff to my attempts to get on the agenda of a City Council meeting.

Now, let me explain what I wanted to talk about had they allowed me to do so. Not all of you may know that there is an airport in Ilwaco. It’s not visible from any of the main streets of town or the highways. It was created in 1928. The land on the north side was sold in 1970 and Vandalia started to build residential homes 80 feet from the airport property line, that year allowing airplanes on private land.

I have a home in that development and I have an airplane. I think the airport is a vital asset to the community. I think it needs to be protected. I think that its very existence may be threatened in the next few years. Why do I think the airport is important? Especially as a lot of people don’t know it is there — let me explain.

We all know we are on the edge of the water. We all know the water level, worldwide is rising. We all know that changes have already started here and will continue. Remember the fire last summer along U.S. Highway 101? the fire department responded to fight it. But did you know 2 helicopters also were sent to help? That fire was a warning. Summers here are going to get hotter and drier. Fires are going to get more frequent and harder to fight. The airport can help with that effort. There are other emergencies that the airport can help with. There are times when people need to be airlifted for medical care inland. There are times when helicopters can’t land at the hospital and instead use the airport. They are transferred from the ambulance. Then it is good to have an alternate.

Some non-emergencies make the airport important as well. There is a fellow in the community, who, at his own expense travels all over the Northwest to venues that attract fishermen, women, and vacationers, and he tells them about Ilwaco. his advertising has brought several high-paying tourists to the area. A good number of them come in their private airplanes. Guess who?

This is just the start of my list of arguments for keeping the airport. Keeping it legal and keeping it safe for all who use it. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with me.

DON BERGER

bergerdon64@gmail.com

Ilwaco