September 8, 2015

The Honorable Kathie Alves
Chairman, Modoc County Board of Supervisors
204 S. Court Street
Alturas, CA 96101

     Re:  The Tulelake/Newell Airport

Dear Supervisor Alves:

The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors is writing to express it's appreciation and support for Modoc County in its ongoing role in the operation of the Tulelake Municipal Airport in Newell. In particular, we understand the necessity of keeping the airport open and secure by installing necessary perimeter fencing.

The construction of a fence around the airport will provide security for the airport and prevent accidents that can be caused by wildlife on the runways. Siskiyou County recognizes that following the 9/11 terrorist attacks the FAA has stepped up security requirements for all airports, and we support the effort to bring Tulelake Municipal Airport into compliance.

While the Tulelake Airport is located in Modoc County, the residents of Siskiyou County benefit from it as well. Macy's Flying Service has based its agricultural services business at the airport since 1966. This business is one of the Tulelake Basin's largest employers with more than 35 employees. Both of our counties benefit from the jobs that are created by this business and the larger economic activity it supports.

The Tulelake Basin's economy is largely dependent upon agriculture. Macy's Flying Service provides needed support to the agricultural community by enhancing farming practices and farming efficiencies. Bureaucratic or legal limitations that hinder airport use and operation of this and other businesses would be detrimental to economic activity in the region.

We recognize there are cultural concerns regarding continued access to the airport area.  However, the Flying Service has never denied access during visits or other organized outings, and there is no reason that appropriate access cannot continue consistent with the needs of a working airport.

Finally, from a public safety perspective, the Tulelake airport provides a life link for bringing in needed resources or evacuating injured and ill persons from the basin.

We offer our thanks to Modoc County for the role it has played in fighting for the Tulelake airport, and the Siskiyou county Board of Supervisors voices its agreement and support for this effort.

Sincerely,

Ed Valenzuela
Chair, Board of Supervisors

====================================================

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml