Regional plan stifles other area airports: FAA says MB, Wilmington, Florence would lose flights

Jun. 21--The FAA said Wednesday that airports in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, N.C., and Florence would be expected to end commercial service if the agency funds a new regional airport in the area.

Supporters of a regional airport must also provide proof that the existing three airports can't handle projected increases in traffic in order to gain FAA approval, the agency said.

The requirements were laid out during a meeting this week between the FAA and the North Eastern Strategic Alliance -- a group of lawmakers, businessmen and community leaders pursuing the regional airport concept.

"We would anticipate they would terminate their service at these other airports" if the FAA helps finance a regional facility, said Rusty Chapman, manager of airports division for FAA's southern region.

Commercial passenger service would be halted, but general aviation activity including private flights and shipping might be allowed to continue at the airports, according to the FAA.

Also, studies would be required to show there's not enough space at the three airports to handle decades' worth of growth in air traffic and passengers, the agency said.

Meanwhile, the FAA is paying $340,000 for an initial NESA study of the regional terminal concept that could be completed by the end of this year or early 2008, according to agency spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.

Without a finished study, it is unclear whether a regional airport has a chance of being built in this area of South Carolina, and the possibility of losing commercial service at existing airports could reduce support among some.

Cutting service at surrounding airports could be a deal-breaker for the regional airport effort because Myrtle Beach, Florence and Wilmington aren't likely to agree, NESA member and Myrtle Beach City Councilman Wayne Gray said.

"I don't see that as a practical reality or as in the best interest of serving those communities," Gray said. "I just don't see the benefits."

The regional airport had little chance of becoming reality before the FAA decision and now has no chance, Horry County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland said.

Sen. Yancey McGill, chairman of NESA, said members always knew the three airports would have to cease commercial operations if the regional facility were to be built.

Some Wilmington and Florence lawmakers said they'd hesitate to end commercial flights in exchange for a regional airport.

"I don't think we would be willing to" close commercial service, said Bobby Greer, vice chairman of the New Hanover County Commission. "We are real proud of our airport, and we've worked hard to get it where it is today."

Closing the Florence airport could have a big effect on the surrounding area and would take more consideration, Florence County Council Chairman Rusty Smith said.

"Certainly, we would not want to do anything that would diminish the economic viability of Florence County," he said.

Not all believe trading in local airports for a regional facility is a bad idea. Wilmington City Councilman Jim Quinn said a regional airport could offer residents access to cheaper fares and more flights.

"The key to is going to be connections. We don't have competitive prices and connections," Quinn said. "I think [a regional airport] would be more of a benefit to Wilmington than what we've got now."

Contact TRAVIS TRITTEN at 626-0303 or [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]

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