The Naples Airport Authority is continuing discussions about the possible relocation of Naples Airport.
At last week’s meeting, the authority decided to gather more information before moving forward with the exploratory relocation study. While Naples City Council has approved continuing the study, the authority wants additional details from the consulting firm Environmental Science Associates.
Commissioner Rita Cuddihy said, "We should go to ESA and ask for a proposal that includes the next phase, which would be composed of narrowing the sites down and the environmental impact of those sites."
The study focuses on four possible locations: Lipman Farms, Sunripe Farms south of Oil Well Road, land east of the county landfill and the Immokalee Regional Airport.
NAA Executive Director Chris Rozansky will also look into whether businesses at Naples Airport could move to Southwest Florida International Airport and if RSW could handle general aviation.
The authority also needs to meet with Collier County commissioners since all proposed sites are on county land.
This relocation study was started after noise complaints from residents, though not everyone agrees the airport should move.
Naples resident Lance said, "This airport's been here for a very long time ... So much history here. And for anybody who wants it to move for anything like sound, it's like, what do you expect from an airport where planes are coming in and up every day?"
Even if the airport is relocated, it won’t happen anytime soon. The lease doesn’t expire until 2068, and a move would take decades and billions of dollars.