Steve Mensing, Editor
♦The city of Salisbury’s limited resistance to airport de-annexation was ”counted out” a short while after 7:30 Monday night at an evening session of the NC House. Upon its 3rd reading the airport became reunited with its former owners. Our local legislative delegation, who stuck together and struggled in the opening weeks of the bills voyage, found much easier going after SB 269 passed the senate. The so-called “2-part litmus test” and “special criteria” never materialized. Tonight the runway and all those hangers are the county’s. The Rowan County Airport is now de-annexed and on its way to becoming an economic tool that will enrich the entire county.
Rep. Harry Warren announced: “The vote was 94 to 16 in favor of Rowan County Airport de-annexation. The airport belongs to the county again.”
“Sweet,” said Rep. Carl Ford. “94-16 works. We are the only ones taxing now and that will be a big plus. Our airport will become more attractive with lower taxes and the runway will be extended to 5,500 feet. The bill will be affective at the end of the month.”
“Thrilled to death,” said County Commission Chairman Jim Sides. “Been waiting for this moment since 2004. There’s no way I can contact everybody tonight, but I certainly want to extend my gratitude to everyone who had anything to do with this bill being passed. There are quite a few.”
Commissioner Mike Caskey said, “I’m quite pleased with the outcome. It’s a real break for the airport. Now the Airport is free at last to become an outstanding economic tool. We’ll be seeing more airplanes flying down here.”
Somewhere in Rowan County, Craig Pierce,who got the ball rolling on airport de-annexation, is feeling thankful for the turn of events over the past few weeks. Several weeks ago, when the house de-annexation bill was stalled in committee, he voiced concern about the bill’s future. Now airport de-annexation has become a fact.
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