Golden Triangle Airport plans expansion amidst land negotiations and industry growth

The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 7, 2025, spotlighted significant developments surrounding the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, as officials discussed the urgent need for land to accommodate future expansions and attract new industries.

Matt Dowell, representing the airport, provided a comprehensive overview of the area’s growth and the challenges faced due to land constraints. He highlighted that the airport had previously acquired property for a crossing runway, which was later traded for land to support a parallel runway and related industries. This strategic move was essential to maintain runway capabilities while accommodating the needs of expanding businesses like Stark Aerospace and Airbus.

However, the recent influx of industries, including a major aluminum mill, has left the airport with limited land options for further development. Dowell emphasized the pressing issue of attracting aircraft manufacturing companies, stating, “We find ourselves with no land to show to any more aircraft manufacturing companies.”

The discussion also touched on a potential sale of land to a private investor who proposed using it for warehousing or migrant housing, a plan that raised concerns among officials about the impact on the airport's image. The board expressed the need to prioritize developments that align with the airport's growth strategy and community standards.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for a strategic plan to secure additional land for the airport was clear, with officials recognizing that the future of Oktibbeha County's economic development hinges on addressing these land use challenges effectively.