A legal challenge is now underway against the Naples City Council. This follows a decision by the Naples Airport Authority board to reject an $8 million federal grant. The grant money was intended for critical airport infrastructure repairs. This rejection has caused significant public and political backlash, leading to a lawsuit and calls for changes to how airport board members are selected.
Key Takeaways
- Naples Airport Authority board members rejected an $8 million federal grant.
- The grant would have funded runway and apron repairs.
- This decision created a $5 million shortfall in the airport's capital improvement plan.
- Increased landing fees are now in effect for the 2026 fiscal year.
- A group called Friends of the Naples Municipal Airport is suing the Naples City Council.
- State Representative Adam Botana is proposing a bill to require elected airport board members with flying experience.
Airport Board Rejects Federal Funding
Two members of the Naples Airport Authority board, Robert Burns and John Crees, voted against accepting an $8 million federal grant. This decision led to strong reactions from local residents and airport users. The funding was allocated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The rejected funds were designated for essential upgrades. These included repairs to runways and aprons, which are crucial for safe airport operations. Without this federal money, the airport faces a substantial financial gap for its planned improvements.
Fact: Funding Shortfall
- The Naples Airport now faces a $5 million shortfall in its Capital Improvement Plan.
- This shortfall directly results from the rejection of the $8 million federal grant.
Reasons for Rejection and Attorney's View
Board members who voted against the grant cited concerns about federal regulations. They suggested that accepting federal funds would bind the airport to federal rules for 20 years. This, they argued, would limit local operational control.
However, the airport board's attorney provided a different perspective. According to the attorney, the idea that local airports gain more control by rejecting federal grants is an "urban myth." The attorney stated that airports already operate under various federal regulations, regardless of grant acceptance.
"It's an urban myth that local airports get greater operational control by not accepting grants," the board's attorney stated.
Financial Impact and Increased Fees
The $5 million shortfall in the capital improvement plan has direct financial consequences. To cover this gap, the airport has implemented increased landing fees. These new fees are part of the 2026 fiscal year budget.
Business owners and frequent airport users have expressed significant concern about these fee increases. They argue that the additional costs will affect everyone who uses the airport. The director of operations at Naples Jet Center, Jose Cabrera, highlighted the impact.
"They’re taking $2.5, $2.7 million of increased landing fees that will affect every single person that uses the airport," said Jose Cabrera, director of operations at Naples Jet Center and a member of Friends of Naples Airport.
Context: Landing Fees
Landing fees are charges paid by aircraft operators for using an airport's runways, taxiways, and other facilities. These fees often help fund airport maintenance and operational costs. An increase in these fees can raise operating costs for airlines, private jet companies, and flight schools.
Calls for Alternative Solutions
Cabrera and other airport users have suggested alternative approaches. They propose cutting expenses or re-evaluating some capital improvements. Their aim is to manage the budget deficit without relying on higher fees. They also believe that the airport should be able to accept future grants.
Legal Challenge Against City Council
The controversy extends beyond the airport board. A group named Friends of the Naples Municipal Airport has initiated legal action against the Naples City Council. This group alleges that the city council passed an "illegal resolution" in June.
The resolution in question is said to give the city more authority over airport projects. Friends of the Naples Municipal Airport argue that this move violates Senate Bill 180. The group sent a required two-week notice of the lawsuit to the city. The city has declined to comment on active or imminent litigation.
The group views the city's actions as an attempt to "micromanage and overgovern" the airport. They believe that the city council is exceeding its authority and interfering with airport operations.
Legislative Push for Board Reforms
State Representative Adam Botana is advocating for legislative changes to the airport authority board. He is pushing a bill that would significantly alter how board members are appointed and qualified.
Botana's proposed bill has two main requirements:
- Elected Positions: All members of the Airport Authority board would need to be elected by the public.
- Flying Experience: Board members would be required to have at least five years of flying experience.
If this bill passes, all current board members would need to run for their seats. This change aims to ensure that board members are directly accountable to the community and possess relevant aviation knowledge.
Community Representation Concerns
Supporters of Botana's bill believe it will improve representation. Jake Maulin, director of education at Rex Air Flight School, voiced this sentiment.
"It doesn’t feel like the people’s rights are being very well represented by this board," said Jake Maulin. "I think a general election would allow that."
The push for elected members with flying experience reflects a desire for more transparency and expertise on the board. The community wants decision-makers who understand the operational aspects of an airport and are directly chosen by the voters.
Ongoing Tensions and Future Outlook
The situation at the Naples Airport highlights ongoing tensions between different stakeholders. These include airport management, local government, and the aviation community. The rejection of the federal grant has brought these issues to the forefront.
The legal challenge against the city council and the proposed state legislation indicate a strong desire for change. The outcomes of these actions will likely shape the future governance and financial stability of the Naples Municipal Airport. Community members will continue to monitor developments closely as the lawsuit proceeds and the bill moves through the legislative process.
