It’s been about 10 months since Metro Aviation and Skydive Little Washington began operating at Warren Field Airport, which is owned by the City of Washington. And it’s been about that long since a solar farm at the airport began generating power.

The three enterprises are generating something else — revenue for the city. No, not millions of dollars, but there are adding dollars to the city’s coffers. That means the airport is helping pay its way more than it did five years ago. It’s possible, with some good business planning and a little luck, the city can break even when it comes to costs associated with running the airport. Could the airport turn a profit one day? That would be an interesting turn of events.

In fiscal year 2012, the airport had $352,059 in total revenues. In fiscal year 2013, the airport’s total revenues were at &1,092,779.

Some folks say the city got stuck with a white elephant when it took over sole ownership of the airport several years ago. Look at it this way — the airport is an economic development tool, one of many such tools the city must use to enhance its fiscal health.

The money being invest in improvements at the airport — runway extension, repaving runways, improvements to runway lights and a new terminal — should pay off in the coming months and years. Many small cities and towns don’t have airports to help them attract new industries and businesses. To make anything viable, it must be used.

The improvements will help make the airport more attractive to private pilots and others who may be interested in using the airport for business reasons. And there are entities looking at the airport as a place to base businesses.

The three enterprises are paying rent for using the airport. They also spend money for local services and supplies. That means other local businesses are benefitting from their presence at the airport.

The new terminal building, other airport improvements and these enterprises will help improve the economic-development landscape in the city.