Council moves on airport land use: farm lease, repeal of incentive grant and appointments to Airport Authority

Washington City Council on Feb. 10 authorized a farm lease with Arnold Farms, Inc. for 55 acres planned to become part of the airport industrial park and repealed the Washington-Warren Airport Economic Incentive Grant originally created in 2018.

The farm lease authorization passed on a motion by Councilmember Antwan Horton, seconded by Councilmember Richard Brooks. Councilmembers discussed that the property is currently leased for agricultural use and that the lease will support future industrial park development adjacent to the airport.

Council also repealed the airport economic incentive grant that had allowed land lease credit for up to five years to facilitate hangar construction; the council said it will continue to pursue other methods to market and promote airport development.

Airport Manager Josh Waters reported on projects at the Washington-Warren Airport, including construction of several new hangars, which city officials earlier linked to increased aviation fuel sales. Council appointed Pamela Anderson and David Carraway to the Washington-Warren Airport Authority to fill unexpired terms (terms expiring June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2027 respectively) on motions by Mayor Pro tem Anthony Tyre and seconded by Councilmember Richard Brooks. Mayor Donald Sadler appointed Timolin Moore Ruffin to the Washington Housing Authority to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2028.

Why it matters: The farm lease and repeal of the incentive program signal continued efforts to shape airport-area development policy while the council monitors hangar construction and associated economic activity.

What’s next: Final lease terms and any related marketing efforts for the airport industrial park will proceed through staff negotiations and future council review.