House Budget Proposes Additional Appropriation of Funds to the Wilmington International Airport

The House released their budget, which increases funds to commercial airports across North Carolina to over $77 million in 17-18 and $79 million in 18-19. The Wilmington International Airport would be slated to receive nearly $25 million dollars in the two-year budget cycle. ($13,772,262 in fiscal year 2017-18 and $11,208,303 in 2018-19) The House budget proposal for the state’s airports exceeds the Senate’s proposal, while stipulating that funds may be used for improvements to the airports and to pay debt services or related financing costs and expenses on revenue bonds or notes issued by the airports.

“We are grateful to Representatives Frank Iller, Nelson Dollar, John Torbett, and all of the House Appropriation Chairs for building on the Senate’s investment in our airports. We’d also like to thank Senators Rabon and Lee for their unprecedented support.” stated Julie Wilsey, Airport Director for the Wilmington International Airport. “We also feel fortunate to have continued support from our local House delegation: Reps. Chris Millis, Ted Davis, Holly Grange and Deb Butler. The range of support received shows the breadth of recognition of the economic impact of the Wilmington International Airport to our region and state.” added Wilsey.

According to County data, the tri-county area (New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick County) is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has seen an increase in the demand for air service; serving a record 817,896 passengers in 2016. Passenger counts are trending upwards again in 2017, with increasing enplanement and deplanement numbers. In order to meet the area’s population growth and demand for services, the Wilmington International Airport is looking to future facility improvements and a possible terminal expansion. The funds appropriated from the House budget will offer additional support to bring these efforts to fruition.