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September 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Lynne Boyd, PR Manager
Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau
888-488-6422
662-363-3800
lboyd@tunica.net
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New Runway and Terminal Open at
Tunica Airport
TUNICA,
Mississippi (Sept. 2, 2003) - Senator Trent Lott and other
dignitaries gathered today at Tunica Airport to officially open its
new 5,500-foot runway and terminal building, giving visitors to "The
South's Casino Capital" access to the resort via corporate and
regional jet aircraft.
Senator Lott, along
with Senator Thad Cochran, was instrumental in securing federal
funding for the Tunica Airport. "This airport and other
infrastructure initiatives are so important," stated Senator Lott.
"Like any piece of transportation infrastructure, it can help Tunica
County and the Delta diversify and grow its economy."
The $25 million
expansion project included the construction of a new 5,500-foot
runway and parallel taxiway, aprons, lighting and access roads, plus
the new 10,000-square-foot terminal. The terminal - named "Tunica
Air Center" - features a two-story central atrium with expansive
windows allowing a panoramic view of the airport. Tunica Air Center
has offices for airport staff, pilots' lounge, conference room, and
facilities for passenger check-in and baggage handling. The new
runway and infrastructure were designed for corporate and regional
jet aircraft. A future expansion project planned for 2004 will
accommodate narrow-body commercial aircraft.
Local officials and residents, as well as area business leaders and
representatives throughout the state, attended today's grand opening
ceremony. Following a brief program, Senator Lott raised the flag at
the new Tunica Air Center, praising the partnership between the
Federal Aviation Administration, Tunica County, the State of
Mississippi and Town of Tunica.
"Cooperation between
federal, state and local officials made this possible, with this
Phase 1 expansion providing Tunica with a significantly enhanced
infrastructure that will have a positive impact on our tourism
industry," stated Webster Franklin, President and CEO of the Tunica
Convention & Visitors Bureau. "With the airport expansion and the
opening of Tunica National Golf & Tennis and Tunica RiverPark this
fall, Tunica becomes an even more attractive destination."
Cliff Nash, airport
director, stated "Our airfield and terminal are yet another type of
'welcome mat' that we extend to the millions of visitors who come
here each year for entertainment. We are already seeing an increase
in the air traffic coming into the area now that we have the new
runway and enhanced infrastructure."
This is just the
beginning of planned airport development. In 2004, the runway will
be lengthened to 7,000 feet, along with the installation of ICS/MALRS,
PAPI and AWOS. Later the same year, additions will include an air
traffic control tower, private and corporate hangers, 320,000 square
feet of commercial apron and a commercial terminal. In 2005, the
runway will be expanded to 8,500 feet.
Tunica, an
area where cotton, rice, soybean fields and catfish ponds still
thrive, is "The South's Casino Capital." Located 30 minutes south of
Memphis, Tunica welcomes more than 12 million visitors annually to
its nine world-class casino resorts, with more than 6,300 new hotel
rooms, over 40 restaurants, championship golf, outdoor recreation,
museums, outlet and antique shopping, and much more. For travel
information, please visit the Tunica website at www.tunicamiss.com
or call Tunica at 1-888-4TUNICA.
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