FR 2021-02599

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed land swap at the Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This proposal involves exchanging 5 acres of airport property, previously set aside for non-aeronautical use, for 5.75 acres of neighboring land. The intent is to facilitate non-aeronautical business development, with the Gulf Shores Airport Authority making the request to initiate this exchange.

General Summary

The document details a proposal under consideration by the FAA concerning the exchange of land at an Alabama airport. The purpose behind the swap is to enable business development on the exchanged land. The public is invited to comment on the proposal by sending their views to specified addresses before the March 11, 2021 deadline.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Ambiguities in Land Measurement
The document references land areas of "5± acres" and "5.75± acres", with the use of the plus-minus symbol potentially causing confusion. This notation may lead to misunderstandings about the exact size of the land involved in the swap, creating uncertainty for stakeholders and possibly complicating public input.

Complex Submission Requirements
The process outlined for submitting comments appears complex, involving mailing comments in triplicate to the FAA and a separate copy to the Gulf Shores Airport Authority. Such requirements could be seen as inconvenient or prohibitive, especially in an era where digital communication is widely used and preferred. This may deter public participation, limiting feedback and engagement with the stakeholders involved.

Unclear Role of Contact Information
The document provides contact details, including a telephone number, yet fails to specify their purpose or the role these contacts play in the commenting process. This may confuse those unfamiliar with navigating government documents or participating in public comment procedures.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The proposed land swap may have various implications for both the local community and specific stakeholders.

Public Impact
Members of the public might be affected by development projects arising from the land swap, potentially affecting local traffic, economies, and environments. Public interest in ensuring balanced development that benefits the community might inspire engagement in submitting thoughtful comments, provided the participation process is accessible.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders
- Local Businesses and Developers: These entities may greatly benefit if the land swap facilitates new business opportunities due to land development. The proposal could spark economic growth and job creation in the region.

• Residents of Gulf Shores: Depending on how the land is utilized, residents could experience positive economic impacts or face challenges such as increased traffic or changes in the character of their community.

• Airport Authority and Developers: These stakeholders are directly involved and stand to gain from enhanced business development opportunities. However, the success of the proposal depends on a balanced consideration of community feedback and alignment with broader public interests.

In conclusion, the FAA's notice involves a potentially impactful decision for Gulf Shores that warrants careful public consideration. The document highlights a need for clarity and modernization in public participation processes to ensure wide-ranging and informed input from all community stakeholders.