The Boone County Airport continues to move ahead with plans for a new terminal while gauging the impact of possible cuts to Essential Air Service (EAS) Subsidies.

Airport Director Judy McCutcheon appeared before the City of Harrison Planning Commission to update them on the proposed $7 million Terminal Facility. During the presentation of the plans she made along with Garver Engineer Representative Greg Thomas, she was asked by Commission Chair Pat Brown about the potential impact of proposed cuts by the Trump Administration of the EAS Program.

McCutcheon response according to a release from the City of Harrison was that the cut in the program "would destroy the airport. We would only have the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) and the Rental Car business. But even those two businesses would be affected if we didn’t have an airline to purchase fuel and bring people in.” 

McCutcheon added that statements by proponents of the cuts inside and outside the administration that planes are flying only half full and that taxpayers are funding the program are false. McCutcheon added the money that provides the subsidies to community and rural airports come from fees charged from international flights into U.S. Airspace. 

Construction of the $7 million terminal, being financed by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration awarded last fall, is set to get underway this fall. In the release from the city, Planning Chairman Brown mentions that a newly passed law does not give cities jurisdiction over county buildings but appreciates the airport keeping the city in the loop on progress. McCutcheon responded by saying they want the building done right and appreciate any questions and input the city has to offer. 

The complete release on the meeting can be found on the City of Harrison Facebook Page.