Coweta County Airport Authority is looking for ideas that will spur quality economic growth.

“There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the future of the Newnan-Coweta County Airport,” said Coweta County spokesperson Patricia Palmer. “The Airport Authority welcomes any proposals that would benefit the airport and the community in terms of economic development consistent with the community’s vision for quality growth.”

Palmer said a recent presentation by local businessman Scott Tigchelaar proposed providing secondary airline access to the Atlanta market through privatization and expansion of the Newnan/Coweta Airport by servicing discount commercial airline and air cargo services. A copy of the presentation was sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its review. Palmer said.

”The FAA advised that there was not enough information in the presentation to determine if the FAA would allow it or if it would be feasible,” she explained.

Palmer said at this time no other proposal has been presented to the Airport Authority or the county commission that may seriously be considered. She said much more information is needed in order to make an informed decision, including how the plan would be financed, any potential liability to the Airport Authority, the County and its taxpayers, and the long term impact on the county in terms of both economic development and the type of growth it will bring to the county and the impact on the residents living near the airport.

Most importantly, said Palmer, it needs to be determined if the FAA would allow this type of development that is being discussed by Mr. Tigchelaar.

Palmer said the Airport Authority is committed to the growth of the airport and stands ready to give its full consideration to any complete proposals that meet FAA requirements and that meet the needs of Coweta County.

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