ECONOMIC NEWS from Lee County Econonomic Develompent Southern Base of the Research Triangle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, May 1, 2008 SANFORD-LEE COUNTY AIRPORT EXPANSION PLANS PRESENTED TO STATE AERONAUTICS COUNCIL SANFORD -- Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport could look very different in a few years, based on expansion plans presented earlier this month to the North Carolina Aeronautics Council. The 15-member advisory board meets once a month, usually at airports around the state, to develop aviation policy for the Secretary of Transportation. It landed in Lee County on Apr. 15, and is scheduled to hold its May session at the Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher. Bob Heuts, Lee County's director of economic development, outlined the local airport's capital improvement plan, which calls for adding more T-hangars to the 49 already in operation, extending the runway and adding a 20-acre corporate park -- designed for companies in the aviation industry and others requiring airport-based facilities. The runway addition, a centerpiece of the proposal, would create an 8,500-foot strip and allow even larger aircraft to land safely, though its current 6,500-foot length already eclipses what's available at most general aviation airports. Heuts told council members that improvements wouldn't be restricted to new facilities. Existing ones would be upgraded, too, with enhanced lighting, more signs and general repairs included in the plan. "Aviation is becoming more and more important every day in business, and that's only going to accelerate over the next decade," said Buddy Keller, chairman of Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport Authority, which governs airport operations. "With our quick and easy access to the Research Triangle Region, and with Raleigh-Durham International being so busy and congested," he explained, "we're in a prime position to become Raleigh's premier airport for executive aviation and corporate aircraft." Sanford-Lee County Regional already is the third largest public general aviation airport in the state, with 100 aircraft based on its field -- from a Gulfstream 4 luxury corporate jet to small, single-engine aircraft. The airport hosts nine on-site businesses and generates an annual economic impact of $280 million. Bill Williams, director of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation, sees a bright future for the local airport. "The airport has been a star ever since it was constructed," he said. "It's now up to about $280 million in economic impact, which is absolutely outstanding. But what the community has done is support the airport and work on continually expanding and making it available to customers. It's not just about the airplanes, but making the community accessible." Citing its location near the state capital, world-class universities and Raleigh's proposed I-540 Outer Loop, Williams sees continued growth ahead. His prediction: "It will become one of the more significant airports over the next few years." In other business, the state Aeronautics Council continued work to attract a proposed Air Force One Museum to the Wilmington area. Several aircraft would be included in the museum, including one of the highly-customized jets used in the past to transport the President of the United States. Museum plans also call for a White House photo gallery and theater to present a video history of Air Force Ones. "Air Force One" is the air traffic designation used for any aircraft carrying the chief executive. The meeting ended with a luncheon attended by Lee County civic leaders -- including the Sanford Mayor Cornelia Olive, Lee County Sheriff Tracy Carter and many elected officials. The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant +1.919.774.8439 (phone) +1.919.775.5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) Photo http://lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/SlcraWilliamsKeller.jpg (1.2M) Bill Williams, left, director of the North Carolina Division of Aviation, talks with Buddy Keller, chairman of the Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport Authority, after the state aviation board meeting concluded Apr. 15 at the Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport. More on the Web Lee County Economic Development Media Relations http://www.lcedc.com/media/ North Carolina Aeronautics Council http://www.ncdot.org/transit/aviation/about/council.html>