Burlington City Council approves Vermont Air National Guard’s 25-year airport lease extension
By: Patrick Crowley
Date: October 24, 2023
The Burlington City Council has given the green light to a 25-year airport lease extension for the Vermont Air National Guard, allowing them to be headquartered at the city-owned Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport until 2073. This decision was made after a long and heated meeting, largely centered around the basing of F-35 fighter jets. The vote, which took place in a packed City Hall, was 8-4 in favor of the extension. The opponents, including all four Progressives on the council, argued against the noise and environmental concerns tied to the F-35s. In contrast, supporters highlighted the air guard’s significant role in the community, employment opportunities, and its contribution to emergency responses. Another compelling factor was the necessity of the extension to secure military funding for the airport, with the potential for $51 million to be available for base projects. The public had their say, with over 60 speakers over two hours, mostly discussing the lease extension. Though some councilors sought changes to the lease term or postponement of the vote, these motions were not successful. Debate around the F-35s is expected to continue, with some councilors indicating their intentions to revisit the issue in the future.