Laserfiche WebLink
Charlotte, it (a general aviation facility) is not a <br /> significant factor in attracting industry." <br /> <br /> In addition to that Bruce F~tthew of N.C. DOT aviation <br /> stated in a letter dated.lO-18-gg: "In regard to the role of <br /> an airport in Cabarrus Oeunty, quite frankly we're not <br /> looking for additional reliever airports to serve the <br /> Charlotte area. We've already got so many logical <br /> candidates for reliever status that we don't know where the <br /> money is coming from to build and improve all of them. <br /> Given the concentration of business and industry in the <br /> Concord-Kannapolis area, you are correct is stating that <br /> most of these users would be well served by the Rowan County <br /> airport. In that case why would Cabarrus County want to <br /> build an airport..." At that time F~. Matthews was trying <br /> to oppose what was seen as a shift to a less expensive <br /> project in the county by saying one wasn't needed at all if <br /> we were going to do that. <br /> <br />! could go on for pages listing dozens of other arguments <br />that have made me oppose this site but I won't, you get the <br />idea. I understand the reasons why people support the <br />project and the monetary and political reasons behind the <br />scenes that are driving the project. It is unfortunate that <br />the press doesn't have the technical expertise to analyze <br />the real impacts and has had to rely so heavily on others <br />opinions. <br /> <br />That sa~ Observer article points out that a similar <br />controversy over an airport occurred in Rutherford County. <br />There It was put on the ballot, each side made their case <br />and the people voted on it. The Chamber of Commerce there <br />successfully persuaded the public to support the airport. <br />An airport has potential, but it is just that potential, not <br />a guarantee. There are abundant stories of both financial <br />successes and failures. <br /> <br />The fact that the co~nnission and business connmunity is <br />trying to force the airport on the public is as much an <br />issue with the voters as is the validity of the <br />justification for an airport itself. This i~ue cannot <br />continue to drag on for years. Let each side make its case <br />and let the majority decide how they want their hard earned <br />tax dollars spent and lets be rid of the issue for good. <br /> <br />Bill Simmons <br /> <br /> <br />