Steve Mensing, Editor
Early this morning the Senate and House versions of the Rowan County Airport de-annexation bills, SB 269 and HB 260, were heard by the full House Finance Committee and received a favorable report after a presentation by Rowan County Commission Chairman Jim Sides.
Jim Sides told the RFP: “Praise God Steve. We’re out of the House Finance Committee with a favorable report and now our House de-annexation bill goes to the House Floor for a vote. That could happen as early as the next few days to a week or so. Seems like this whole process started yesterday to free our airport and make it the economic tool it needed to be. Our case for airport de-annexation was always overwhelming. The City of Salisbury put up a scrap early, but once that Senate version of the bill steamrolled through the senate–resistance basically fell away. The city’s criteria didn’t pass muster. This was purely government on government and that’s all there was too it. From where I’m sitting we’re in a real solid position going to the house floor for a vote. Might be a good time as any to thank our local delegation for the help they provided. Senators Andrew Brock and Gene McLaurin and our state representatives Harry Warren and Carl Ford. These four men did an outstanding job. My hat is off to them.”
“Passed with bipartisan support,” said Rep. Carl Ford. “Only one Representative was against it. Now it’s straight to the House Floor and that will be the final step. Since this is a local bill it does not need to go to the Governor.”
Later today Rep. Harry Warren informed the RFP that: “It is now on the calendar for the House Floor tomorrow for a second reading. It will then be calendared again for Thursday for a third reading . Since it is SB 269 that we are hearing , this will be the end of the saga Thursday afternoon. HB 260 will not be needed.”
