Paulding County’s bid to turn its local airfield into the region’s second commercial airport regained a bit of altitude with the release this week of a draft environmental assessment for the project and plans for a public hearing.
The draft assessment could lead to a final version that would enable federal regulators to move on to a decision on whether to approve Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport for airline operations.
But the two-year-old project still faces legal challenges.
The draft assessment showed no significant environmental impacts that could block commercialization — though that could change with issues raised in public comments.
The public can comment on the assessment through Dec. 11 online at the airport or county websites. A public hearing is set for Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Paulding airport.
Airport director Blake Swafford said the intent is “to get as much public involvement and as much public comment as we can possibly get.”
Paulding officials announced in 2013 their plan to commercialize their airport in partnership with a private company, Propeller Investments. The idea generated opposition from some county residents who filed lawsuits aimed at blocking it. The city of Atlanta and Delta Air Lines also voiced objections, saying a second metro airport would take resources from city-owned Hartsfield-Jackson International, Delta’s home hub.
One of those legal challenges led to a settlement in December 2013 that called for an environmental assessment.
The draft assessment, released Tuesday, examines potential effects on noise, traffic and the environment — as well as potential economic benefits.
It examines proposed service by Allegiant Air from Paulding. Allegiant is a small, Las Vegas-based carrier that specializes in low-fare leisure travel and has been mentioned as a potential operator at the Paulding airport.
Peter Steenland, an attorney representing residents who oppose the airport commercialization, had asked the Federal Aviation Administration to review a complaint about the project filed by the city of Atlanta and address other issues before moving forward with the environmental assessment. The FAA went ahead anyway.
Steenland said the FAA “should not be wasting taxpayer dollars” on the controversial project until larger issues are resolved.
Meanwhile, controversy over the project contributed to turnover on the county commission, where three of five members earlier this year voted to renounce support for the project.
Resident Sue Wilkins, a plaintiff in lawsuits aimed at blocking commercialization, said opponents can also legally challenge the environmental assessment findings.
“Many fine-toothed combs will be going through it,” Wilkins said. “It’s time to play ball again.”
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