A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for renovations and improvements of Forsyth county's smith reynolds airport.
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport has been designated a North Carolina Legacy Airport; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport is a critical part of North Carolina's transportation system, linking our State to the global economy and generating economic activity, commerce, and tourism; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport contributed $814 million in economic output to the State and 3,655 jobs to the State economy in 2020, which was the largest economic contribution among North Carolina general aviation airports; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport provides an effective base of operations for aircraft maintenance, corporate aircraft, air charter services, general aviation, flight training, and air cargo; and
Whereas, the Forsyth Technical Community College's Mazie S. Woodruff Aviation Technology Lab at the Smith Reynolds Airport will open in August 2021 to prepare students for high‑paying jobs in aircraft maintenance; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport's terminal was constructed in the 1940s, renovated in the 1980s, and has remained untouched since; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport has maximized usage of available hangar space; and
Whereas, the Smith Reynolds Airport's Quonset hangar is a World War II era hangar that is in need of refurbishment; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to Forsyth County the sum of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) for the 2021‑2022 fiscal year for renovations and improvements of its Smith Reynolds Airport. These funds shall be used to renovate and improve the Airport's terminal, corporate hangars, and Quonset hangar; repair, overhaul, and improve the other hangars; and provide maintenance of the runways, ramps, airfield infrastructure, and taxiways.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.