Legal issues could put brakes on drag racing at Greene County Airport
WAYNESBURG – Plans for drag racing at the Greene County Airport is stuck in neutral. With crowds in the thousands attending the Flashlight Drag Races at the Greene County Fairgrounds over the last couple of years, there is no doubt of its popularity.
One can imagine the outcry that might occur if they had to be discontinued. Unfortunately, with the first race slated for May 17, less than two weeks away, that very well could be the case.
County Chief Clerk Gene Lee said at Wednesday’s agenda meeting of the Greene County commissioners that the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation (B.O.A.) received word from the Federal Aviation Administration that drag racing at Pennsylvania airports may not be legal under current regulations.
“The B.O.A. is arguing on our behalf to try to get through this red tape,” Lee said. With that first race just around the corner, it appears to be a waiting game to hear whether the official word is that races are or are not going to continue.
“I suggest folks call their senators and congressman,” Commissioner Dave Coder told those in attendance. “If it is the federal government that is doing it, (contemplating stopping the drag racing), then they should talk to the federal government about it.”
A call to the state Department of Transportation Wednesday afternoon turned up what appears to be good news for drag racing fans, at least for this season. Rich Kirkpatrick, a spokesman for PennDOT in Harrisburg, said that they have given approval to the Greene County Airport to host this year’s races as scheduled.
In other business, chief county assessor John Frazier told commissioners that homeowners who applied for the homestead exclusion will see a reduction in their property taxes this year.
“I think there is some confusion that they will be receiving a check,” said Frazier. “There won’t be any checks issued. They will see a reduction in their bill. But, they must have signed up for the exemption already in order to receive it for 2008.”
Frazier said that anyone who is unsure of whether or not they qualified for the exemption may call the Greene County Tax Assessment Office at 724-852-5211 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to inquire.
Although it is too late to qualify for the 2008 tax relief, taxpayers can apply now for 2009.
An estimated $800 million in property tax relief will occur this year across Pennsylvania. This is first year gaming revenue is earmarked to reduce the school district property tax bills.
On average, taxpayers will see a discount of $169 per household across the state.
The amount of the property tax relief by school district will be available sometime this month at www. http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
Eligible senior citizens may have the dual benefit of both the general property tax rebate and the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The two programs combined have the potential to virtually eliminate school property taxes for about 68,000 households, according to Gov. Ed Rendell’s Web site.
Eligible property owners in the county can sign up now for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programs for 2009.
Applications can be picked up in the Greene County Assessment Office at 93 E. High St. in Waynesburg, be mailed to taxpayers, they can sign up online or they can call toll-free at 1-888-222-9190 to apply.