"City looks to turn airport into economic asset"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Sunday, February 10, 2008

City looks to turn airport into economic asset
Master plan is in works to promote facility to pilots and develop events to
bring people to the base.
By Ed Richter
The Middletown (OH) Journal


It has one of the longest general aviation runways in southwest Ohio and
nearly 90 private and corporate aircraft are based there.

While Hook Field is an underutilized facility, the city of Middletown is
working to develop the local airport into an economic asset. Over the past
few years, the airport, which is in the process of being renamed Middletown
Regional Airport/Hook Field, has experienced and overcome turbulence.

The city always has owned the airfield and recently purchased the hangars.
Revenues from hangar rentals are placed in an enterprise fund, similar to
the city's water and wastewater funds, and can only be used for airport
improvements. A master plan is under development by the city's Airport
Commission and its consultant.

Efforts are being stepped up to promote the facility to local and area
pilots as a place to base, fuel and service their planes, as well as to
develop events to bring people to the airport. In addition, the increase of
spectators will increase the amount of spending at area restaurants, hotels
and other stores.

Rich Bevins, owner of B&B Aero, the fixed base operator for Hook Field, said
"a lot of people don't understand what an asset it truly is for the city.

Bevins, who also chairs the Middletown Aviation Foundation, wants to make
Middletown residents more aware of the potential of the airport.


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