Posted on Fri, Jan. 05, 2007

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Public has questions on airport plan

ISSAC J. BAILEY

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Bob Skotnicki of Pawleys Island has questions about the proposed airport terminal.

"I am just wondering if this is a rush to use grant-taxpayer money as it seems there is very little factual information being presented documenting a real need for a new terminal," he said.

He wants to know if we have commitments from airlines who will come if the terminal is built, and if there is any risk to taxpayers. He watched Myrtle Beach struggle with the underperforming convention center hotel after analysts assured us it was the right thing to do.

"Like most folks, I just want to make sure the officials have examined all information and options and are spending public money as carefully as they would spend their own," he said.

Horry County hired a firm to answer such questions, BACK Aviation Solutions, which prepared a 30-page report. I am skeptical any time a government entity tells me a $228 million project will more than pay for itself and bring hefty dividends, especially given the incredible volatility of the airline industry and our significant drop in air traffic this year so I have as many questions as Skotnicki.

Here are a few conclusions from the county report that argues in favor of the new terminal, as well as a few answers from Horry County Spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier:

Property taxes cannot and will not be used to pay for the terminal. The funding structure would not mean increased ticket prices.

JetBlue and some other carriers don't enter markets where gates are shared.

The new terminal will have an estimated $436 million annual economic impact, assuming an additional 190,000 new and "recaptured" air passengers. Replacing the Hooters Air passengers alone would equal an $187.5 million annual benefit.

Renovating the existing terminal would be costly because it doesn't meet seismic building codes and a second floor can't be added. The regional airport idea needs more study.

Myrtle Beach International has "excellent air service for its relative population and enplanements." But the new terminal may attract more of the "legacy" carriers, which provide better access to other markets that can help grow our economy.

Officials have worked on the airport project for six years and now are forced to spend time convincing the Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board and other official bodies. They should also take time to convince a skeptical public.