New panhandle florida airport could fuel Wiregrass industry

With the Airport opening just a year away, the Panama City and surrounding area, which will includes Freeport Florida will be a major benefactor.

By Lance GriffinPublished: May 12, 2009
SLOCOMB — When Florida’s newest airport opens a year from now, more than planes will be taking off from the northwest Florida area, the airport’s director of operations said Tuesday.
Kip Tuner said the Panama City-Bay County International Airport will be a major cog in the economic expansion of Bay County and the surrounding area, an expansion that should spill into the Wiregrass.
“I think it’s pretty clear to everyone that the opportunity that exists for economic development is unreal,” Turner told the Slocomb Business and Community Association on Tuesday evening. “It won’t stop in Bay County. Washington County is on fire. They love this thing.”
Turner went on to say the Wiregrass could benefit from industries designed to supply and service the airport.
State Rep. Warren Beck, R-Geneva, said the airport, combined with the expansion of the Port of Panama City and a possible Wiregrass toll road connecting to Interstate 10 and near the airport, could benefit the area through more than just industry.
“People can’t move into the ocean. They have to move this way, toward us. We have to be prepared for it,” Beck said. “I see this as a big boon for the Wiregrass. We’ve needed a stimulus for a long time and this could be it.”
Turner said the airport is receiving interest from several airlines, including a major carrier and a low cost carrier. However, he said he doesn’t expect commitments from airlines until closer to the grand opening.
Turner said he did not see the new airport as a competitor to Dothan Regional Airport.
“I see this as a compliment to the other airports,” Turner said.
The airport will consist of 4,000 acres when fully built, but plans for future growth have already been factored into the other area of Bay County’s West Bay, including about 40,000 acres set aside for environmental preservation.
The cost of the airport is being split among several entities: $119 million from the State of Florida, $90 million form the Federal Aviation Administration $90 million and $112 million from Bay County from the sale of the existing airport, bond issues and other sources. No new taxes were levied to pay for the airport, Turner said.
Turner said a road like the Wiregrass Toll Road would enhance the area’s chances of reaping benefits from the airport and port expansion.
“I think, without a doubt, you would see a benefit there,” Turner said.
Turner said he expects a spur from I-10 to the airport to be built in the near future.