Senators eye regional panel over Charlotte airport

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 21, 2013

RALEIGH (AP) Some North Carolina state senators are recommending control over Charlotte’s airport shift from the city to a regional authority.
The Senate Rules Committee voted Wednesday for a measure to create a 13-member panel that would include appointments by leaders in counties adjoining Mecklenburg County, as well as by legislative leaders and the governor.
Bill sponsor Sen. Bob Rucho said Charlotte Douglas International Airport is an economic engine but needs the focus and expertise of an authority board as a rail freight project there gets under way.
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and the Charlotte City Council don’t support the bill’s passage. Foxx made his feelings known Wednesday morning while speaking to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg legislative delegation in Raleigh. Some lawmakers agree with the council that the proposal should be studied.