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For anyone interested, an update on the status of KISZ, Blue Ash Airport, Cincinnati
12/12/2011 1:15:55 PM
Short version- Unless Cincinnati City Council gets off of their asses, the airport will close in August. 
Blue Ash Airport (KISZ) Fact Sheet
Revised 12/8/2011
Blue Ash airport is located in the suburb of Blue Ash about 15 miles NE of Cincinnati, yet is owned by the City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati sold about 130 acres of airport property to the city of Blue Ash for $37.5 mil in 2007. Cincinnati continues to own the runway and approx. 98 acres surrounding the runway. The parcel that has been sold includes the existing taxiways, ramps, fuel storage and most of the existing buildings.
The last extension of the sales contract expires in August 2012, at which time Blue Ash will take possession of the 130 acres and plans to begin demolition. If replacement taxiways, fuel storage and buildings are not replaced by Cincinnati by this date, the airport will be forced to close.
To date, Cincinnati has made no attempt to replace any of these items necessary for the airport to remain open and operational.
Federal law 49 USC 47107(b) & 47133 requires sale proceeds of airport property must be used to fund airport operations. Cincinnati has received the first 5 installment payments of $1 mil each from Blue Ash. There is no evidence that any of these sale proceeds have been used for airport improvements, which seems to be a direct violation of federal statute.
Mayor Mallory has publicly stated “The proceeds of the sale will allow Cincinnati to reinvest millions of dollars into our neighborhoods for much needed improvements”. (8/31/2007 Press Release). This statement seems to indicate the intent to use sale proceeds for other city projects.
If the FAA finds Cincinnati in non- compliance with the federal revenue diversion laws, the agency could undertake a civil penalty action which could cost the city 3X the amount of revenue diverted (USC 46301).
The FAA “conditionally approved” the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) of new taxiways and structures in March 2009.
Blue Ash, as outlined in the sales contract, has agreed to pay $2 mil in matching funds to Cincinnati towards reconfiguration costs. The FAA has also awarded approx. $450,000 of Airport Improvement Funds (AIP) funds to Cincinnati for Blue Ash Airport. Cincinnati has refused to accept either of these funds.
Blue Ash airport has been operating since 1925 and is a proven economic engine for the region. According to the most recent Ohio DOT economic impact study, the airport directly provides about 75 jobs and has an estimated economic output of $6.9 mil. Over 100 businesses from all over the country have used the airport in just the past year; its loss would be catastrophic to both the flying community and regional economy.
The most recent FAA records show 75 aircraft based at Blue Ash airport and a staggering 35,000 operations per year.
The US Department of Commerce RIMS II Economic Model for general aviation airports holds that for every $1 generated on an airport, another $2.53 is generated in the local community equating to increased employment and tax base.
Blue Ash Airport (KISZ) Fact Sheet
Revised 12/8/2011
Blue Ash airport is located in the suburb of Blue Ash about 15 miles NE of Cincinnati, yet is owned by the City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati sold about 130 acres of airport property to the city of Blue Ash for $37.5 mil in 2007. Cincinnati continues to own the runway and approx. 98 acres surrounding the runway. The parcel that has been sold includes the existing taxiways, ramps, fuel storage and most of the existing buildings.
The last extension of the sales contract expires in August 2012, at which time Blue Ash will take possession of the 130 acres and plans to begin demolition. If replacement taxiways, fuel storage and buildings are not replaced by Cincinnati by this date, the airport will be forced to close.
To date, Cincinnati has made no attempt to replace any of these items necessary for the airport to remain open and operational.
Federal law 49 USC 47107(b) & 47133 requires sale proceeds of airport property must be used to fund airport operations. Cincinnati has received the first 5 installment payments of $1 mil each from Blue Ash. There is no evidence that any of these sale proceeds have been used for airport improvements, which seems to be a direct violation of federal statute.
Mayor Mallory has publicly stated “The proceeds of the sale will allow Cincinnati to reinvest millions of dollars into our neighborhoods for much needed improvements”. (8/31/2007 Press Release). This statement seems to indicate the intent to use sale proceeds for other city projects.
If the FAA finds Cincinnati in non- compliance with the federal revenue diversion laws, the agency could undertake a civil penalty action which could cost the city 3X the amount of revenue diverted (USC 46301).
The FAA “conditionally approved” the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) of new taxiways and structures in March 2009.
Blue Ash, as outlined in the sales contract, has agreed to pay $2 mil in matching funds to Cincinnati towards reconfiguration costs. The FAA has also awarded approx. $450,000 of Airport Improvement Funds (AIP) funds to Cincinnati for Blue Ash Airport. Cincinnati has refused to accept either of these funds.
Blue Ash airport has been operating since 1925 and is a proven economic engine for the region. According to the most recent Ohio DOT economic impact study, the airport directly provides about 75 jobs and has an estimated economic output of $6.9 mil. Over 100 businesses from all over the country have used the airport in just the past year; its loss would be catastrophic to both the flying community and regional economy.
The most recent FAA records show 75 aircraft based at Blue Ash airport and a staggering 35,000 operations per year.
The US Department of Commerce RIMS II Economic Model for general aviation airports holds that for every $1 generated on an airport, another $2.53 is generated in the local community equating to increased employment and tax base.
12/12/2011 1:23:21 PM
I'm going to refuse to be shocked that a city would close a function that is seen to be a rich man's hobby to support failing social programs.
12/12/2011 1:37:57 PM
Originally Posted By SmilingBandit:
I'm going to refuse to be shocked that a city would close a function that is seen to be a rich man's hobby to support failing social programs.
I'm going to refuse to be shocked that a city would close a function that is seen to be a rich man's hobby to support failing social programs.
Especially Cincinnati.
The back story is that this a battle that's been going on for at least 25 years. Cincy had no interest in the airport, and wanted to sell the land. Blue Ash didn't want to loose it. After a lot of hard work by a lot of people, they made a deal that made everyone happy, and would have guaranteed the airport another 20 years. Cincy is pulling a Mayor Daley move.
12/12/2011 2:08:43 PM
They should change the name of Cincinnati so as not to tarnish the namesake of Cincinnatus.
12/18/2011 10:25:07 PM
Ain't the home of aviation just a few air miles to the north ?
12/19/2011 9:55:09 AM
Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
Ain't the home of aviation just a few air miles to the north ?
Ain't the home of aviation just a few air miles to the north ?
If you mean Sporty's, it's about 7 miles SE.
