What has been in the planning stages for 16 years finally got off the ground when a ribbon cutting was held at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport for newly rebuilt runways, lighting, and control tower upgrades, Tuesday.
“This is a culmination of a lot of work,” said Steve Smith, executive director at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport. “We’ve worked on this project for 16 years and had it scheduled two different times – 2018, but it was postponed because of funding and again in 2021 but had to postpone it again because of post-COVID issues.
“Last year, we had some airport people who wanted to put it off even longer – but because of funding – and funding has been such an issue – we just had to go ahead and complete it.
“This runway is 6,004-feet long and 100-feet wide … it’s great for Jackson and the area.”
The project includes the runway, new markings and paint, LED runway lighting, newly graded safety areas, new runway and taxiway signage and new precision approach-path indicator lights.
Smith sees this as the start of a new vision for the airport including a terminal rehabilitation plan which includes a new terminal area with new hangars, and a new automobile parking lot with electric charging stations.
Viewed as the ‘Front Door’ to the region, the upgrades will mean an influx of cash and thousands of jobs.
The runway is set to be fully operational October 21, and five weeks later Denver Air Connection is scheduled to begin providing jet service at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport December 1, a development that promises to enhance travel options for both business and leisure travelers in the region.
The upgrades at the airport will also only add to the growth spurt in the area – and region.
Dixie manufacturing – Georgia Pacific – has opened a 900,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, which sits on 241 acres conveniently located near Interstate 40 and state Highway 223 and is expected to employ approximately 220 people.
Amazon’s ‘Last Mile’ 65,000-square-foot facility, which is located near Central Distributors off Highway 223 and Lager Lane, remains under construction.
There’s also BlueOval City in Stanton, which is expected to create approximately 6,000 new jobs at its nearly 6-square-mile mega campus.
The $5.6 billion electric-vehicle manufacturing complex in Haywood County is the largest factory project in the history of the 120-year automobile manufacturer.
“I could not be more excited, for where we are and what’s been accomplished by tons of people,” said Rusty Reviere, member of the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “We now have the best runway in the state of Tennessee which is a perfect prelude to this fundamental change in air service that we have for the people of West Tennessee.
“Our runway was in very bad shape … that issue being eliminated opens the door to whatever type of air travel they want to.
“For the people not associated with these fantastic industries coming in – what this is going to do now with Denver Air Connection adding an option everyday of going to Chicago O’Hare (International) or Atlanta on a jet that accommodates 50 people.”
Ever the optimist, Steve Smith surveyed the area and reflected on those who were patient with the project.
“I wish we could have opened a little earlier,” Smith said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to welcome those back who have had to go other places or drive into Jackson. It’s good to finally get this behind us.”
(PHOTO: Ribbon cutting at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport)
