LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for the new terminal at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport on Thursday, January 15th. Among the speakers were, Dr. Martin Eaddy, master of ceremonies, Pete Acker, chair, of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, Alex Patton, chairman, of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, Fred Houser, with the City of Lincolnton and David Lowe, chairman and interim airport manager, of the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport.
“Several years ago it was recognized that the original terminal building was too small and not adequate to continue to improve the service level or to accommodate existing tenants as well as the transient customer base. The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport Authority began debate on what service needs should be available in a terminal building and what would need to be constructed to remain a competitive airport in the Charlotte region and how do we pay for this facility,” says David Lowe.
The new terminal building is fully funded by the State of North Carolina, Lincoln County, City of Lincolnton, Duke Power and private donations. “Besides the work of the Authority members, one person should be singled out to get a lion share of the funding credit. Jack Dellinger, a member of the Division of Aviation Aeronic’s Council was able to secure state funding for this project. The City and County matched the state funding and through the generous donations of Duke Power and private contributors, we are about one year away from seeing this dream come true. Getting to this point has been a long, hard and sometimes an impossible job, but today we celebrate the reality of it,” say, David.
Pete Acker, chair of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, “Today represents a milestone in our community, I am thrilled about the growth of our local airport as well as the support and vision from our county commissioners and city officials on the opportunities the new terminal will bring forth for economic development.”
Alex Patton, chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, “This is a very exciting time for Lincoln County. This puts us on a different level from an economic development perspective with this new terminal and will help us attract a different class of business to Lincoln County. We have certainly come a long way from the airstrip that was once where the Indian Creek Industrial Park is now. The Airport Authority has done a tremendous job over the years and is to be commended for a job well done.”
“Through the years there have been many people who have been supportive of this airport and the positive direction in which it has been heading. Today is a celebration of decades of aspiration and dedication, says Fred Houser, City of Lincolnton.
The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport began operation in 1986 with a small mixture of private and corporate aircraft. Since that time the airport has grown to become an important reliever airport for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport serving the corporate customer and the private pilot in every way possible.
About LEDA
Lincoln Economic Development Association is a private, 501c(3) non-profit corporation charged with facilitating industrial, office and commercial development in Lincoln and Lincoln County. LEDA’s mission is to foster an economic environment that promotes an increased tax base and enhances the standard of living by creating better jobs for the citizens of Lincolnton and Lincoln County. The organization’s goals include expanding existing business and
industry, developing and encouraging investment by new business and industry and fostering cooperation between business, government, schools and the community.
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