Of course Everett study is in favor

Regarding the Thursday article, “Study backs Paine Field passenger service”:

$70,000 for a study that everybody knows will say or conclude what you want it to. You don’t think they’re going to pay for a study that says what you don’t want it to, do you? I refer to Everett’s study regarding the use of Paine Field for commercial air traffic.

For $70,000, it says that increased use will cause no more traffic problems, that for now, there will be only five flights a day, that there will be little or no negative effects on property values, and noise problems will be minimal. What? People who will use the airport don’t drive cars? Five flights a day for how long? The folks who used to live under the flight path at Sea-Tac moved because they got an offer they couldn’t refuse?

The study leaves a lot of questions. It mentions installing noise monitors atop Mukilteo schools. What will be done if the noise interferes with school? It mentions keeping track of property values in the area, before and after commercial air traffic starts. Who is going to do that and how will it be paid for? Who will pay the compensation, the city of Everett?

The threat by the Feds to withhold the funds they give to Snohomish County for the airport is a joke. The amount they would withhold is a drop in the bucket of the operating capital needed by the county. Everett must have lots of money if it can spend $70,000 for a study like this, and I’m just sure they would kick in some money to help the county run an airport the mighty Boeing Co. uses.

What it all boils down to is, a good deal for few, at the expense of others, as is the case too often these days.

Kari Morgan

Sultan