State senator wants experts on Jackson airport board
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – State Sen. Josh Harkins plans to introduce a bill to remove the current board that operates Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.
Harkins, a Republican from Flowood, tells The Clarion-Ledger he first became concerned with airport operations when he and his family took a trip to San Diego. According to Harkins, flying out of the Jackson Municipal Airport cost $1,600 more than flying out of New Orleans.
Under the proposal, the governor would appoint seven members to a regional board to oversee the airport operations with two members each appointed from Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties along with one at-large member.
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, whose members are appointed by the mayor of Jackson and confirmed by the Jackson City Council, now oversees operation of the airport.
