As originally reported on WAPT, Mississippi lawmakers will be presented with a bill proposing a change in the makeup of the board that governs the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Board of Commissioners (JMAA) on Wednesday made a preemptive strike against the move.
The airport received criticism after a fall in flight numbers and the loss of high-profile carriers, including Southwest Airlines. While the airport resides in Rankin County, the city of Jackson owns all of the airport's buildings and is in charge of appointing officials to the airport board. Neighboring counties have expressed the opinion that since the airport boarders multiple cities—there should be more of a say in how the airport operates.
JMAA held a meeting Wednesday for its annual review, where the director of the airport pointed out that the Jackson airport is profitable organization, bringing in about $3 million this year. Board members on Wednesday made it clear that they are opposed to any idea of changing the board to include members from three counties.
Sen. Josh Harkins is the author of the airport takeover bill. He said he will wait until February to introduce it. The takeover bill looks to revitalize the airport and increase air service to the area.
