Wed, Aug 29, 2012
Votes Monday To Accept $1.85 Million, Approve Local Match
After expressing concerns that it would largely benefit a private company leasing space at the Tupelo, MS, airport, the Tupelo City Council voted unanimously Monday night to accept a $1.85 million AIP grant and put up a 2.5 percent local match.
The council had balked at the proposal last week, saying it had not had enough time to consider its implications. Some on the council said it would have largely benefited Universal Asset Management, a private firm set to lease former National Guard property at the airport. The Airport Authority had said that the apron and taxiways leading to the site had been damaged, and were in need of repair. Money was also needed for air conditioning repair and security improvements.
The council said it felt like it was being rushed to make a decision given the deadline for approving the federal grant, and raised questions about the airport authority's management style. The deadline for accepting the grant was midnight Monday. The Digital Journal in Mississippi reports that after a special meeting Monday afternoon, the council voted 7-0 to approve the grants, but not without reservations. "We have to support our airport. We've got some issues to work on. We're pretty much boxed in at this point and we've got to support it," said Councilman Jim Newell. The council would have been responsible for paying for some of the improvements and repairs if they had not accepted the grants.
UAM is reportedly entering into a 20-year lease with the Airport Authority.
More News
Airport Marking Aids Markings used on runway and taxiway surfaces to identify a specific runway, a runway threshold, a centerline, a hold line, etc. A runway should be marked in ac>[...]
"It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for manned aircraft to see a drone while conducting crop-enhancing and other aerial applications at low altitudes and high speeds. We>[...]
Aero Linx: The Skyhawk Association The Skyhawk Association is a non-profit organization founded by former Skyhawk Pilots which is open to anyone with an affinity for the A-4 Skyhaw>[...]
“The T-54A benefits from an active Beechcraft King Air assembly line in Wichita, Kansas, where all required METS avionics and interior modifications are installed on the line>[...]
Aero Linx: Aerostar Owners Association The Association offers the Aerostar Owner a unique opportunity to tap an invaluable source of information concerning the care and feeding of >[...]