Airport gets "big" money from congress
By Frank Bradley Sentinel writer

FRANK BRADLEY/Sentinel photo Clay and Cherokee county commissioners accept some big money for Congressman Heath Shuler on Monday at the Andrews-Murphy Airport for improvements.

The terminal at the Andrews-Murphy Airport was packed fuller than it had been since FBI Director Louis Freeh visited Andrews in 2001 for a briefing on how his agents were going to catch Eric Rudolph.

The occasion this time was money--money from Washington.

"Congressman Heath Shuler is here to deliver to us a big old check," Larry Kernea, of the Murphy Electric Power Board, said.

Kernea the business and governmental leaders for showing up for the occasion. He thanked Clay County Commissioners Herbert Cheeks and Harry Jarrett for comin g to celebrate the even, saying how important the airport is to our three county region (Clay, Graham, Cherokee).

It was indeed a big old check for the big old amount of $1,470,000 to be used to make improvement in the airport.

Shuler pointed out the importance of the airport to the area particularly in creating jobs, helping with economic development and being critical in providing rapid relief in case of a major disaster. He expressed appreciation to Senator John Snow and Representative Roger West for their part in helping with the funding.

FRANK BRADLEY/Sentinel photo Commissioners Herbert Cheeks(C) talks with BRMEMC's Eric Brinkley at airport event. Commissioner Harry Jarrett (R) also attended.

"The three of us have had a great working relationship," Shuler said. "I also want to thank mayors Johnny Brown (Andrews), Bill Hughes (Murphy) and commissioners David Sumpter, Jonathan Dickey and Dana Jones. I can't tell you how hard they and other have worked on this project."

He mentioned the importance of the work being done by Tri-County Community College as well as Bill Wells and Charles West to create a work environment that supports the airport.

Shuler said that when he goes before the funding committee in Congress to tell them why they need to give $1.4 million for this airport project it is important to show them just how critical it is for our community to have access to and from our area.

"What you are doing here to make this a truly great community is important for those of you who live here and for those who have lived here and want to come back," he said.

The money was secured by Representative Shuler in the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

Additionally, the State of North Carolina is providing $150,000 for the project, and Cherokee County is kicking in $16,666 in matching funds for construction at the airport.

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