Following this week’s release of the County’s proposed budget, the Board of Supervisors approved a new aviation lease at McClellan-Palomar Airport providing more options for travelers.
When budgets are tight and leaders must make hard choices, it is easy to see the value of County services that don’t rely on taxpayer dollars.
That is the case with our County airports. All County airports, including our only commercial-service facility, McClellan-Palomar, are self-funded through the Airport Enterprise Fund and grants.
McClellan-Palomar Airport, our largest, supports economic activity and provides convenient travel for people in North County and the region. Commercial flights that returned to Palomar Airport last year have been very popular. American Airlines flights are at 80% capacity, which is very good according to the airline industry.
Palomar Airport directly supports 2,600 jobs in the region, drives about $83 million in industry activity, and generates approximately $15 million in federal, state, and local taxes each year.
The airport also benefits from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, which cover over 90% of its capital costs.
Over the years, the County received $53 million dollars from the FAA to help build and maintain airport infrastructure at Palomar Airport.
While federal dollars support the airport capital improvements, operations at all County airports, including Palomar, are funded through the Airport Enterprise Fund. Leases, fees, charges, grants, and other contributions, allow the County’s Department of Public Works to operate every airport safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
