Republican gubernatorial candidate calls for state takeover of airport (Atlanta: appointed, city hall)

[arjay57]

Sounds like this could become a reality depending on how the elections go.

Republican Hunter Hill said he would support legislation that would give the state oversight over Atlanta’s bustling airport, saying it would help stave off corruption and pave the way for a second major airport in Georgia.
The former state senator, in a tight race for the GOP nomination for governor, backed a measure that would put a state-appointed board in charge of Hartsfield-Jackson that would mirror state boards that oversee the ports and the Georgia World Congress Center.

He outlined his support for the measure at a campaign stop in Rome, where he said it would help spur growth in rural areas. He elaborated in an interview, saying the world’s busiest airport is "too weighty for one mayor to oversee” while citing the ongoing federal probe into corruption in Atlanta City Hall.

“Georgia doesn’t reach its economic potential if it continues to be a one-city state,” said Hill, adding: “Georgia struggles to put additional cities on the map, and you can do that if you have a state approach to this juggernaut of economic development.”

More....Georgia 2018: Hill calls for state takeover of Atlanta airport

[Born 2 Roll]

This airport takeover issue is not dead by any means.

The talk of the state taking over the Airport that happened during this past session of the Georgia General Assembly likely was just the beginning of a serious and sustained drive by the State of Georgia to take control of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from the City of Atlanta.

[brown_dog_us]

What would be the impact to Atlanta of the State taking over the airport? Is this about the revenue stream? Jobs for friends?

[ctinatl]

This is about pride and self-rule as well. The R legislature and Governor doesn't seem to care much about Atlanta but now they want to take over the airport when there are contracts and money involved. No thank you.

[Atlwarrior]

I knew it was a matter of time before someone tried to connect the investigation as a reason to take the airport from Atlanta. It may be too late because not only does the city have to comply with federal standards, but the new Mayor is a Litigation attorney and is cleaning house to fight off plans like this one. Furthermore who’s to say the State will even be ran by Republicans in the future. You have this one problem Atlanta that once new residents become legal Georgians will vote these political buffoons out.

[tikigod311]

Shut up, Hunter. Your points make no sense

Let's take a well running machine and fix it. Great idea.

[cwkimbro]

...pave the way for a second major airport in Georgia?


This change has no affect on that. The state can buy whatever land and do whatever they want with it and try to contract with whatever airlines they want without Atlanta.


If he really cares about that, he should help cities like Columbus get a match for the risk insurance needed to attract another major air carrier (ie. AA to CTL).

At least that is a tangible change for a small cost using existing assets.

[Atlanta Scientist]

It didn't work in Charlotte, so I'm doubtful it'll work here. I can only imagine the legal battle that would ensue.

[SEAandATL]

I'm hoping the airport could privatize like the Narita Airport in Tokyo.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Sounds like this could become a reality depending on how the elections go.

Maybe the state could take over Paulding County airport and outspend Delta who financed the opposition to that site.