The Senate released their budget, which includes $40,000,000 in funds for commercial airports across North Carolina in fiscal year 2017-2018 and $50,000,000 in funds in 2018-2019. Funds may be used for improvements to the airports and to pay debt services or related financing costs and expenses on revenue bonds or notes issued by the airport. The Wilmington International Airport is slated to receive nearly $12 million dollars in the two-year budget cycle. ($5,946,945 million in fiscal year 2017-18 and $5,946,945 in 2018-19)
“On behalf of the Wilmington International Airport, we’d like to thank Senator Rabon and Senator Lee and share our appreciation for their support. We're very grateful that the Senate recognizes the economic development contribution of the Wilmington International Airport and the role it plays in the region’s and state’s vitality and well-being.” stated Gary Broughton deputy director of the Wilmington International Airport. The most recent economic impact study, conducted by the NC Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, indicated ILM had a $1.6 Billion impact on the region. Further, the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) served 817,896 passengers in 2016, setting a new record, and passenger counts are trending upwards again in 2017.
Broughton is hopeful there is continued support from the House as the budget process moves forward. “In order to further meet and serve our customers' needs, The Wilmington International Airport is looking to future facility improvements and a possible terminal expansion and these funds would help support those efforts.” Broughton shared.
