County negotiating contract to perform economic impact study on proposed airport

For some time, Columbiabased engineering firm W.K. Dickson has wanted to perform a crucial study that will determine the proposed airport's economic impact here.

Until recently, the county couldn't say the same.

Cherokee County Councilman Bailey Humphries, a vocal supporter of an airport project, said the county has proceeded cautiously with its negotiations with the engineering firm to ensure the economic study would be comprehensive enough for state and federal officials.

Dickson also performed the airport feasibility study.

"We are negotiating the contract to make sure it will have everything in it," Humphries said.

In March, state officials agreed to pick up one-half of the cost of the economic study, which could total as much as $95,000. The county agreed to cap its share of the study at $50,000.

The money would come from the county's airport fund and capital projects fund.

State officials also pledged to include Cherokee County in its state airport plan that will be forwarded to federal aviation officials.

Humphries said the county has until June 15 to agree to a contract with Dickson and complete and forward its grant application to state aeronautic officials.

"This is what the state said we needed to do," he said.