Biddeford City Airport

The Biddeford City Airport has been a part of the Biddeford community since 1951, but in recent years the airport has been losing money and tax payers have had to pick up the slack.
The Biddeford local government will receive $3 million and save around $60 thousand annually if the town votes to shut down the airport.
Many townspeople want to see the airport go. “Once we started looking at the airport, we came to the conclusion that there is no financial benefit at its existing size and capacity. It continues to be a tax burden,” said Paul Archambault a neighbor to the airport and Chairman to Shut Our Little Airport (SOLA).
“The money is the biggest thing. If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go on,” said Roland Pelletier Biddeford City Manager.
Archambault has his own ideas for what the 126 acre plot could be used for. “Maybe an industrial park in there…Or how about a wind farm? We could provide power to the nearby schools. That’s the kind of progress we’d like to see.”
The argument to shut down the airport started a few years ago when the airport cut down trees along the runway and begin enforcing no trespassing laws on airport property. The Biddeford city Airport was complying with FAA laws so has not to lose funding.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four wheelers (and) ATVs all using it. They can’t use it has a backyard and that’s against regulations,” said Tom Bryand Airport Manager. Local pilot Phyllis Landry can also remember a time when she had to abort a takeoff because kids ran into the runway.
“The FAA is just doing its job. People need to understand that. They really do. Maybe it’s expensive to run the airport. But it’s a great resource. I know business people who fly in here all the time,” said Landry.
The Biddeford City Airport currently houses 47 airplanes of which half are owned by local businesses. Where will they move to if Biddeford closes? “I have been flying out of this airport for 25 years…I love this airport. If I couldn’t fly here I’d have to go to Sanford or Portland,” Landry commented.