Land swap for casino
The current issue surrounding the proposed Spokane Tribe’s casino, Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB), Spokane International Airport (SIA) and any development within the flight patterns of FAFB and SIA should be a decision that’s very difficult to arrive at. The facilities in question are far more important to Spokane, the Inland Northwest and the safety of our nation than is the casino. Local governments have not been good stewards protecting these areas. Our county government was guilty of allowing a child-care facility within a dangerous flight zone.
Will we be able to save FAFB? Will we save the SIA or will it be downgraded to a simple regional field? We need development but it needs to be controlled, especially around this area in question.
I personally would like to see the tribe build their casino, but not at this proposed site. Perhaps county, state, federal excess land would be available and make a straight-across swap for the now proposed site. A site that would be better suited rather than within the flight patterns of military and commercial aircraft.
George Britton
Spokane