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.

FMI: www.tupeloms.gov/city-council