Why does the Borough of Haines feel it has the authority to regulate any air traffic whatsoever?

It is the job of the FAA to do that.

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Department of Fish and Game can regulate where one can land an aircraft but have no authority as to flight paths above ground level.

I am really surprised this has not ended in a court battle as yet.

The argument is not complex. The argument is, does the Haines Borough have authority over the FAA to designate flight paths and levels? Landing permits are issued by the National Forest Service and others.

In my opinion the Borough of Haines has done nothing but chase economic opportunities away from Haines. The cruise ship industry called Haines business unfriendly and is at this point pretty much nonexistent.

I have been to Haines in the dead of winter, but then that was in a time when the Pioneer stayed open all winter and had a Thanksgiving feast and some of the motels had rooms filled. Last winter when I passed through it looked like a boarded up mining town!

But by all means chase away the spring, winter and summer business, for I am sure the hardware stores have more plywood and nails!

Thomas Baxter

Kasilof

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