Bill seeks elected board to oversee Naples Airport

State Rep. Adam Botana on Sept. 15 proposed a local bill to gradually create an elected board for the Naples Airport Authority, ending the city of Naples’ longtime control of the agency. 

Botana won support for the bill from the rest of Collier County’s legislative delegation, calling it the “home-est of home rule” despite objections that it would infringe on city rights. The proposal, presented during the delegation’s annual public workshop, drew backing from state Rep. Yvette Benarroch, whose district includes the airport; state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo; and state Rep. Lauren Melo, who represents eastern Collier County. 

Botana said those affected by the airport deserved a say in its operations. The elected board would have three members from the city of Naples and two members from Collier County. 

“I brought this bill forward because we had a lot of constituents reach out, and local entities, concerned with the airport authority, where there's some stuff — sentiment to move the airport, a sentiment to limit the airport,” he said. 

City Council member Beth Petrunoff said the creation of a voting board would turn the airport into a political money game. Airport businesses would back candidates who favor even more traffic, which is already a nuisance to some neighbors, and a continuation of 24-hour access. 

“I’m very disappointed this was passed at this point because we haven’t even had a chance to vet it, or to work together to do it,” she said, saying she had just learned about the bill a week ago.  

She added that the NAA recently rejected a $9 million federal grant because it would have imposed additional regulations. The authority is still bound by terms of a previous grant that requires 24-hour flight access for the duration of its agreement. 

She did say she and Melo had talked about Botana’s proposal after the meeting and agreed to have a more in-depth discussion later.