This is a petition for the support of the general aviation industry in Wichita. Recently the Sedgwick County Commissioners approved the vacation of a portion of 71st street south and a conditional use permit to allow existing Cook Airfield to extend the runway and expand. This project would accommodate larger planes, provide more hangars, and expand Cook Airfield to a community airport. 71st street has a traffic count of 206 cars, and the intersection in question is a dirt road between Rose Hill and Derby, yet outside the 30 year comprehensive growth plan for Derby. Traffic would be diverted to 75th street. The main thoroughfares between the cities are paved 79th street, and the 4 lane paved 63rd street. Rose Hill is in support of the project, however, Derby is against it. They claim it will have a negative effect on their shopping district. Proponents say patrons from Rose Hill will continue using 63rd and 79th like they currently do, and regardless, the positive impact on general aviation is far greater. Tragically, the title company left 2 names off the notification process, so the conditional use permit to allow the extension of the runway must go back before the County Commission. Although none of the facts have changed, the county commissioners have been heavily pressured by Derby to change their votes. We need all the support we can get to reinforce the initial decision. They will make this decision this WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010. Jack Pelton, CEO of Cessna, and Ed Young, the Aviation Director for Kansas Department of Transportation, have both written letters in support of this project. Mr. Young cautioned what negative affect a decision against general aviation could have on Wichita’s national reputation and ability to recruit aircraft manufacturers. How can we be the Air Capital of the World if we do not support expansion and creation of community airports. Is your job affected by the aviation industry? Please sign this petition if you are in support of a conditional use permit that will allow the extension of the runway over the vacated portion of 71st street.