Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

News

November 22, 2009

CONNECTING FLIGHTS: Economic Development On The Radar Screen

The only “reliever airport” for the Indianapolis International Airport with a crosswind runway is located at Mount Comfort Airport in Hancock County. Since its inception in 1977, the airport has been used to draw businesses and enterprise to the area.

According to the executive director of the Hancock County Economic Development Council Dennis Maloy, Mount Comfort Airport has been an attractive alternative for commuter traffic and general aviation purposes.

Unlike the Greensburg Municipal Airport, Mount Comfort Airport is not owned and operated by the local government, but is instead controlled by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the Indianapolis Airport Authority. Despite the striking difference in the airports’ histories, there is a strong relationship between Hancock County government and the airport, and there are similarities between what Mount Comfort went through 32 years ago and what the Greensburg Municipal Airport is going through now.

“From an economic development standpoint, (the airport) is an asset,” Maloy explained. “We want the Mount Comfort Airport to be on our radar screen.”

There is a level of economic development that has occurred in small communities as a result of airports. Hancock County, by design, has pursued large distribution and logistics businesses because their county had an adequate airport, Maloy said.

Though it has helped, Maloy did point out that the airport has not always been a “key driver” in bringing in businesses and new infrastructure in the last five years. For business organizations looking at coming to Hancock County, the larger airport is not always a high priority.

“The presence of the airport (is just) like icing on the cake,” Maloy said.

Still, the capable airport at Mount Comfort is something that pulls its weight when it needs to.

“The goal of economic development is to enhance assets and limit liabilities,” Maloy explained. “Transportation infrastructure is a key asset to making the community a preferred business location.”

And for Maloy, working to support the enhancement of key assets like the airport is a priority. The Hancock Economic Development Council is currently working on a project that could bring a new business to the area, he said.

“We’re on their short-list because we have an airport,” Maloy stated.

Much of the air traffic at Mount Comfort Airport is the result of executive travel or general aviation purposes. Commercial flights and heavy freight traffic are not things the airport is equipped to handle. However, most of the executives and others who do use the Mount Comfort Airport do so to avoid the traffic and congestion of the larger airports. By landing in Hancock County, travelers are able to be in downtown Indianapolis just as quickly as if they had utilized the services of the Indianapolis International Airport. The Greensburg Board of Aviation Commissioners (BOAC) and others have often proffered that, with an expanded airport, the same kind of thing could happen for Greensburg and Decatur County.

Text Only
News
  • Statehouse action resumes after game break

    After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.

    February 8, 2012

  • Super Bowl experience was a winner

    If praise and adulation put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.

    February 8, 2012

  • DCCF announces grant opportunities

    The Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) is pleased to announce it will continue a variety of grant opportunities available for 2012 from the unrestricted pool of funds.

    February 8, 2012

  • Meth lab numbers continue to rise

    The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section was started in January 2006.
    That year, there were 803 meth labs dismantled around the state.

    February 8, 2012

  • Daffodil Days program inspires hope

    Decatur County residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.

    February 7, 2012

  • ems Commissioners approve grant application

    At their regular meeting Monday morning, the Decatur County Commissioners received an update from Bob Barker, of the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department, regarding funding for and repairs to Greensburg's public pool.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • mission Medical mission a success for First Baptist

    A medical Mission trip organized by Greensburg's First Baptist Church brought dental and medical care to many impoverished citizens of the Dominican Republic recently.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Sexual predator arrested

    At approximately 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-65 when he stopped a 2006 Dodge Charger near the 51 mile marker southbound for a traffic violation. 

    February 7, 2012

  • Dr. Bennett plans polar plunge

    It was a spur of the moment decision.
    In that moment, jumping into a lake in the middle of February sounded like a good idea.

    February 7, 2012

  • Banks GPD arrests three, issues felony charges

    Arrests warrants for David R. Drew, 41, and Angela S. Drew, 38, of 417 North AmRhein Drive were issued Thursday, Feb. 2.

    February 6, 2012 3 Photos

Featured Ads
AP Video
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo. Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.