New Airport Ready for Take-off

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Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 - 07:26 PM Updated: 07:48 PM
By Tuquyen Mach

Panama City, FL - Airport leaders received the final permit needed to begin building the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.

The airport is set to move from its current location in Panama City to West Bay by the end of 2009.

Airport leaders met with the Army Corps of Engineers at noon Thursday to sign what's called a Section 404 permit.

Airport leaders began throwing around the idea of re-locating the airport back in the late 1980's.

The airport board had been granted all the necessary state permits and the go-ahead from the Federal Aviation Administration.

"The main thing is the Corps wanted to make sure the permit was correct and done right, so it took a bit longer than usual," says Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis.

"It's gonna bring new businesses, residents, easy access, cheaper prices," says Panama City resident Angie Burnham.

One of the biggest arguments in favor of a new airport is the current price of flying in and out of Panama City.

Passengers who use the airport frequently, like part-time residents and business travelers, are hopeful the new airport will make flying cheaper.

"It'll be a lot better for us. One thing for the fares. The fares will be better. There will be a little more competition, so they'll have to drop a little bit, so that'll be wonderful," says Pam Bennett, a Georgia resident and Bay County property owner.

Curtis says they're still on budget. The relocation is expected to cost $330 million.

Earlier this week, the airport board started analyzing bids for construction. They hope to award that contract soon.

Groundbreaking should be within the next two or three months.

The Army Corps permit is one of two major forms of federal approval needed for the airport project.

The FAA's permit came in September.

Two environmental groups and a group of local pilots are legally challenging it.

Airport leaders say the suit won't affect construction unless the court strikes down the FAA permit.

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