News Summary
The Golden Triangle Regional Airport has finalized a $2 million land deal to acquire 109 acres south of its runway. This acquisition is expected to facilitate future expansions and attract new businesses to the region. Funding will be supported by grants and contributions from local governments, marking a collaborative effort for economic growth in the area.
Golden Triangle Regional Airport Move Forward with $2 Million Land Deal
Exciting news is buzzing around Golden Triangle as the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTRA) has successfully wrapped up discussions with stakeholders to greenlight a significant land purchase. This move is expected to bolster the airport’s potential for future expansion and growth. The proposed strip of land lies just south of the runway and is estimated to carry a price tag of around $2 million.
A Collaborative Effort
A major win for the area, the funding for this purchase will be shared between grant funds and contributions from the city and county governments that have ownership stakes in the airport. Recently, the selectmen from West Point were the last piece of the puzzle to give their thumbs up, completing the necessary endorsement for the deal.
Just the day before, Lowndes County supervisors met and officially approved their share of the funding, while other stakeholders—including Starkville, Columbus, and various counties—have expressed their commitment over the past few weeks. The collaboration among the municipalities and counties is a testament to their shared vision for economic growth.
Room to Grow
This expansion project includes acquiring a total of 109 acres. The potential here is significant, as it would not only allow existing aerospace companies, such as Stark Aerospace, Aurora Flight Services, and Airbus Helicopters, to expand operations but also attract new businesses to set up shop in the region.
Betsy Young, who plays a key role in economic development for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, emphasized the necessity of this land acquisition for sustainable growth. The new property consists of two parcels situated between the southern end of the runway and Airport Road, currently owned by Ropp Family Enterprises, hailing from Palmer, Arkansas.
Breaking Down the Costs
Initially, the intended financial structure involved all stakeholders contributing towards a conventional loan that would be repaid over a decade. The breakdown of contributions is as follows:
- Lowndes County and Columbus, each contributing 25%, would pay $37,500 annually.
- Oktibbeha County and Starkville, each at 20%, would contribute $30,000 annually.
- Clay County and West Point, each at 5%, would pay a modest $7,500 annually.
Lowndes County Administrator Jay Fisher indicated that the scheduled cut of $275,000 could be managed through interest earnings associated with the American Rescue Plan Act or additional revenue stemming from Tennessee Valley Authority payments. In an effort to be financially savvy, Columbus, Lowndes County, and West Point decided to pay their shares upfront, aiming to save on interest costs and potentially secure better loan terms for the airport.
What Happens Next?
Meanwhile, Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and Clay County will follow suit by contributing over the ensuing ten years. In the unfortunate event that the purchase agreement does not go through, the GTRA has pledged to return funds to all stakeholders involved.
With all stakeholders backing the land purchase, the Golden Triangle Regional Airport is set on a path toward a promising future. This strategic land acquisition is a vital step that reflects the community’s comprehensive efforts toward growth and partnership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lowndes County Board Approves Loan for Airport Expansion
Starkville Secures $1.1 Million for Spring Street Connector Project
Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Medical Crew Members
Golden Triangle Regional Airport to host TSA Precheck enrollment
Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: GTRA Secures Support for Land Purchase
- Wikipedia: Golden Triangle Regional Airport
- WCBI: Lowndes Co Supervisors Approve Loan for GTR Airport
- Google Search: Golden Triangle Regional Airport
- Columbus Dispatch: Golden Triangle Airport Maneuvering for $2 Million Land Buy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golden Triangle Region
- WTVA: $30 Million in Grants for Airports and Ports in Mississippi
- Google Scholar: Airports Land Purchase
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
