Letter To The Editor by Holli Sullivan

Residents of Southwestern Indiana will be heartened to learn considerable progress is being made to modernize Evansville Regional Airport Terminal. This week the Indiana Economic Development Corporation approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support the renovation project. The state will be funding $5 million of the $12.36 million project.

The 30-year-old terminal will undergo much-needed infrastructure updates. These updates are needed in order for our airport to remain the region’s air gateway. The functional improvements include reconfiguring the TSA security gates, increasing the utilization of jet ways and updating terminal restrooms, restaurants and parking. For many visitors to our region, the airport is the first impression they have of Southwest Indiana. These upgrades will provide the modern amenities professional air travelers and businesses expect and be a better reflection of the progress and economic development that is happening in Southwest Indiana.

The new terminal will also help Evansville area businesses market their products and services, as well as attract and retain new talent for our workforce.

I am also working on legislation to assist regional and smaller general aviation airports. These facilities are an integral part of our nation’s air transportation system. The legislative proposal would create a source of ongoing funds for airport projects throughout the state by dedicating revenue from the current Indiana sales tax on aircraft and the state excise tax on retail aviation fuel to a specific fund.

Our airport serves as a vital asset to all of Southwest Indiana, not just Vanderburgh County. It is in the entire state’s interest to find a user-based funding mechanism to support its smaller, but vital airports. I plan to introduce this bill during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Jan. 4 and would appreciate citizen input and feedback on the issue.