Safety at an airport is paramount, but in Biddeford, it’s being set aside due to politics. The city has been told by the Federal Aviation Administration that the Biddeford Municipal Airport is in need of significant safety improvements ”“ such as installation of lights, tree cutting and runway repairs. And even though the cost of applying for grants to complete this work would be covered by federal and state grants ”“ not Biddeford tax money ”“ there’s still vocal opposition.

What a sad state of affairs when the city council has to table a decision on using grants to pay a company to pursue more grants for necessary safety improvements. If we were talking local tax dollars, the delay might be warranted for further consideration, but at this point, we’re not. Once the study is completed and the proposals are in hand for actual construction of improvements, it will be time to talk money. Even then, however, the FAA pays 90 percent and the city pays only 5 percent of the costs. That’s a nice split for a project that will mostly benefit Biddeford.

In most cases, infrastructure is seen as an asset for a town or city, from a metrorail system to hospitals and civic centers. But for some reason many people in Biddeford just can’t seem to see the airport in that light. Perhaps it’s because the airport is largely for recreational use rather than transportation, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless to the rest of us earthbound folk. Recreational pilots are a niche market, like motorcyclists or bicyclists, who can make an important impact on our local economy. Hotels, restaurants and other establishments that cater to motorcyclists have found success in Maine, just like those that make an effort to attract fishermen, hunters or snowmobilers depending on the season. Welcoming bicyclists has also been a local boon, with events such as the Saco Bay Criterium in years past and the Maine Bike Rally that will be coming to Biddeford this year and next.

The Biddeford Municipal Airport could be so much more than a thorn in the city’s side. In nearby Sanford, the town is embracing a plan to make the airport a draw for pilots, with an educational component and possibly a hotel complex. It’s striking that Biddeford, meanwhile, is struggling just to get clearance to apply for grants to improve airport safety.

At this point, the council is simply facing the decision of allowing the city to choose a contractor who will do the work of completing engineering studies and applying for grants so the airport can be made safer for its current use. And it’s not up to the city to decide what’s safe and what isn’t ”“ the FAA has already set those standards. If the city doesn’t comply with them, it could be required to pay back past FAA grants and would also be liable for any accidents at the airport. Biddeford can’t afford to be in that predicament.

The contract would be for four years, with its $750,000 cost covered by grants, and would seek further grant money for the work that the FAA is requiring.

Mayor Alan Casavant has a chance here to make his mark on this city by being the leader who embraces the airport and shows people how it can benefit Biddeford. He’s said, so far, he believes it can be used for economic advancement, so at least we know he understands the value of having an airport in town.

Now it’s time for him to step up and support this city asset by advocating for this contract ”“ and also for the improvement work that will follow. Whether or not voters agree to expand or improve the airport further, it’s necessary to keep the facility up to date on FAA safety requirements. We owe at least that to the pilots who use it.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.