Forks Forum file photo

West End Thunder drag racing is on for summer 2012, with five weekend races now a go at Forks Municipal Airport.

Mayor Bryon Monohon announced Friday morning, March 30 that that the five races have received a green light from the NorthWest Region office of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“This is truly good news and is greatly appreciated," Monohon said in a press release.  “We have worked very hard to reach this point, and the FAA has been very fair in their interactions with the City. “ 

An extension of the current agreement with West End Thunder and the City of Forks for use of the city-owned airport for the five weekends of racing on the club’s schedule will be on the agenda at the next council meeting, set for April 9. 

The 2012 racing schedule was tentatively set by West End Thunder for: May 19-20 , June 9-10, July 14-15, August 11-12 and Sept. 15-16.  

Monohon noted that approval for this summer from the FAA is a separate action from the City of Forks "formal request for a continuation of the use of the Forks Municipal Airport by West End Thunder beyond 2012."

“We thoroughly understand that this permission is for only 2012 and does not reflect any final position of the FAA on the period beyond 2012,” Monohon said. “We appreciate the time and effort that the FAA’s NW Region staff has expended upon this effort.  In the midst of various challenges, they have been extremely professional and forthright in their commitment to the nation’s aviation community and infrastructure.  We have learned a lot about that important function in this process.”

 “I think it is really important to acknowledge the assistance and cooperation of West End Thunder, the Port of Port Angeles, the Clallam County Economic Development Council, and our own City folks,” he said. “Further, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and her staff have been invaluable in this entire endeavor; and, Congressman Dicks’ office has provided much needed support to make this happen.”