With the price for an airport going down, Cherokee County Council could find out today whether an economic impact study supports moving forward with the airport project.

Cherokee County is the only county in the state without an airport.

A preliminary draft of the economic study by W.K. Dickson Co. put the cost to build a general aviation airport at $45.8 million.

But Cherokee County Councilman and airport commission member Bailey Humphries has said the figure has fallen to $38 million in recent months due to changes in the airport design and site preparation plan.

Federal and state government would pay for the majority of the construction costs for an airport. The county's share is estimated at $1.2 million.

Airport commission members lobbying for an airport have pointed to partnerships with other groups like the DSE ammunition plant and the South Carolina National Guard as ways the county could reduce its own costs in building an airport.

County council has been waiting for more definitive financial numbers before it commits to acquiring land for an airport. These numbers could come at today's 5 p.m. council meeting in the Cherokee County administration building.

Terry Macaluso from W.K. Dickson is going to brief county council regarding the finished airport economic impact study.

"W.K. Dickson is going to give us an update on the airport," county council chairman Hoke Parris said.

Parris said the county will need a clearer idea on its financial obligations for the airport project before it makes a further commitment.

"The economy has to pick up before we have the money to do anything," Parris said.