It has come to my attention that there is a misinformation campaign brewing, designed to misrepresent the nature of the development around Mesquite Metro Airport. The airport development is an important piece of our City’s future, and I believe the residents of Mesquite should know the true facts about the City’s vision for that area.

To that point – rest assured there are plans for renovation and expansion at Mesquite Metro Airport. The plan is designed to more safely accommodate the types of air travel already using the facility – namely the flights of business and executive type aircraft.

Mesquite Metro Airport is not only a vital part of our City, but it is also something which we should be proud to be able to support here in our community. Mesquite Metro Airport is an economic engine for us and surrounding communities, responsible for $8.3 million in total economic output, 116 jobs and $3.2 million in payroll. The airport provides several community based services and programs to enhance the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life to area citizens and adjacent communities including police and fire support, medical flights, pipeline patrols, and Civil Air Patrol search and rescue and wildfire patrols.

Future plans for the airport also include a program to create high-tech, aviation related, industrial development to create good paying jobs and bolster the City’s tax base. The City also envisions the development of an industrial district; which is the most compatible land use adjacent to the airport. The plan does not include cargo or freight related air traffic. Any increased truck traffic from the business development would be routed to major thoroughfares.

Furthermore, the Airport Master Plan was funded by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation-Aviation Division). Representatives from these agencies, along with local business representatives, pilots, City Council and City Staff worked directly with a consulting firm, whose expertise is airport planning, to ensure that future development (based on demand) fell well within the safety parameters and guidelines set by the FAA and also provides for a competitive facility for corporate air travel.

Future growth and development of the airport helps revitalize our community and brings money and business to our area on a daily basis which helps keep property taxes down. The City’s revitalization vision for the airport and the entire community is focused on building value not only in property, but also in the quality of life to all of our citizens.

In 2005, Mesquite Metro was named the “Reliever Airport of the Year” by the Texas Department of Transportation. I support the airport and am proud of its facilities, tenants, staff and the positive role it plays in the Metroplex.

I think it is unfortunate that I must write this letter today. It is sad for me to see questionable tactics and politics being played by a Sunnyvale resident who is not familiar with our complete vision to grow the local economy and, most importantly, to ensure our quality of life.

I hope you will continue to support our airport, its excellent staff, and our fine city as we continue our positive revitalization efforts.

Mayor
John Monaco