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January 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Nicole Whittington, Public Relations
Manager
Tel.: 662-363-3800
Fax: 662-363-1493
E-Mail:
nwhittington@tunica.net
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Ground Breaking for Phase I of the TUNICA County Airport
Expansion
TUNICA, MS - The
Tunica County board of Supervisors, Tunica County Airport
Commission, along with the Mayor and board of Alderman announce
plans for the expansion of the Tunica County Airport. "This is an
example of a partnership with the Federal, state and local officials
combining efforts to provide infrastructure that will have a direct
and positive impact on economic development throughout the Delta,"
states Ken Murphree, Tunica County Administrator.
A
collaboration of efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration
and the Mississippi Department of Transportation secured funds to
increase the runway length, provide additional hangers and a
terminal. Phase one will increase the runway to 5,500 feet with an
expected completion date of 2003. Phase two will increase the runway
to 7,000 feet, which will be capable of landing 727's by the year
2005.
The Tunica County Board of Supervisors, the Federal Aviation
Administration and the Mississippi Department of Transportation are
providing funding for the $40 million project.
The Tunica County Airport expansion will be used to support the
growing needs of the gaming industry as well as other economic
development efforts. The ability to land 727's will enhance aviation
travel and allow Tunica to evolve into more of a resort destination.
Webster Franklin, Executive Director of the Tunica Convention &
Visitors Bureau comments, "Being able to offer vacation packages
complete with air fare will further solidify our position as the
number three gaming destination in the United States."
Groundbreaking ceremonies, hosted by the Tunica County Chamber of
Commerce, will be held at AM, Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at the
Tunica County Airport. The airport is located at 2986 Beatline Road,
approximately one mile east of U.S. Highway 61.
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