Once again I see comments from certain readers against the proposed extension of the Hilton Head Island Airport runway.

First, it was save trees. Now the argument is why spend money on the runway, it's not needed. When the Cross Island Parkway was proposed, the same flow of negative letters appeared. Today, one of the greatest assets we have is this toll road. I suspect the same negative response was voiced when the bridge connecting the island to the mainland was proposed. And should a second bridge ever be proposed, I am sure the same negative response would result.

The commercial aspect of the airport can only benefit with an extended runway, and any suggestion that we will still have turboprops operating in the future is simply wishful thinking. Despite the various comments to this effect, I have yet to see one airline that intends to follow this suggestion, quite the reverse in fact, as they phase out these aircraft in favor of mid-sized jets that are more economical and require less service. Let's move into the 21stcentury and have an airport that can fully meet our future needs. Like the toll road, it will enhance the island and its future.

Geoff Wheatley

Hilton Head Island