NorthWest Florida Republican

There has been quite a bit of discussion between Eglin AFB officials and Local Valparaiso Residents. Not much of it good for Eglin.

With the winding down of the 33rd Fighter Wing, the area will be losing some jobs until something replaces the 33rd. This was supposed to be the Joint Strike Fighter but that has been delayed due to opposition to the move of more than 100 Fighters to Eglin.

The announcement Nov. 21 of a signed Record of Decision for the Special Forces Group was overshadowed by the news that the Record of Decision for the Joint Strike Fighter training school has been delayed until early next year. – NWFlorida Daily News

The residents in the flight path of the Strike Fighter are concerned over the increase in noise that will be created by these new fighters. However there are more things that need to be considered before the Airforce dumps the idea of moving the Training Squadron here.

What many residents are not considering in their complaint is the economic impact that bringing the Strike Fighter means. Already the Army is gearing up to move 2200 troops into the area. Bringing more jobs and income to area businesses. Home prices should stabilize with the influx of people from this move. The Strike Fighter move would mean even more jobs and better home prices for those already here.

Sure, there are always down sides to the upsides. Maybe those who really don’t want to live in the noise footprint of the new Fighter can sell their homes to the incoming people who will be accompanying the new wing. Or they could rent their homes as the rental values increase as well.

I do not live in the footprint of the fighter but I just can’t see how it can affect those who do as much as they fear. It is unfortunate that a delay is being made on a decision to move the training wing here.