Last week Franklin Field was one of several Alabama airports profiled as prime examples for economic development projects at a meeting of the Rural Caucus in Montgomery.
The meeting, orchestrated by the General Aviation Alliance of Alabama (GAAA), created the opportunity to highlight several airports around the state for the benefit of the members of our state legislature who are most focused on the interests of rural districts throughout the state.
The program, heard by approximately 40-50 Alabama legislators—all members of the Rural Caucus —was designed to outline the deficiency in funding for rural airports throughout the state. The dire need for targeted economic development efforts to fund “on airport” industry development and recruitment was demonstrated through the presentations made by speakers representing the airports in Bessemer, Guntersville, Prattville as well as Franklin Field.
Chairman of the Bullock County Commission, Ron Smith, addressed the group in support of GAAA’s efforts to increase Alabama’s funding for all general aviation airports.
“Franklin Field is a prime example of an Alabama airport with broad community support for development. It is ideally located near Montgomery, but it lacks the additional funding needed to reach its fullest potential,” stated Smith.
Bullock County’s native and current Alabama Minority Leader Representative, Anthony Daniels, was in attendance and was clear in his support of “helping in any way” to develop Bullock County into a thriving county that provides its residents the opportunity for meaningful and rewarding work without leaving to another community.
About GAAA: The General Aviation Alliance of Alabama is a non-profit organization established for the benefit of Alabama’s 77 general aviation airports.
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