FAA on board for Cherokee County Airport Expansion

Don Stevens, Chairman, Cherokee County Airport Authority, recently wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Olde Towne Gazette stating that the FAA has committed to help fund and complete the airport expansion over the next 3 to 5 years. An expanded airport should attract corporate aircraft and private jets, but more importantly…the aircraft owners’ companies to Cherokee County. The airport expansion could be the largest economic engine for the county. Nearby Cobb County’s airport McCollum Field, has been so busy there is a waiting list to base an aircraft. This should help drive interest and growth of Cherokee County’s expansion.

Cherokee County commissioners, led by Chairman Mike Byrd, committed $15 million from SPLOST transportation revenue to be matched by federal dollars to fund the $34 million expansion. Why should current citizens by excited? Because the property tax on the based aircraft alone will equal the property tax of 1700 homes without have to build the infrastucture and schools to support them. There has also been a study that shows the regional impact of $1.6 billion over a 15-year time frame from the airport investment.

In his letter, Mr. Stevens concludes by thanking everyone involved in the effort and I want to finish by thanking him. Great job Mr. Stevens! This further substantiates your Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce´s 2004 First Citizen Award.