Rutherford County Airport Authority approves work to acquire nearly 23 acres near Runway 19 and adopts higher hangar and parking fees from Jan. 1

The Rutherford County Airport Authority on Nov. 2 approved work toward acquiring nearly 23 acres near Runway 19 and adopted higher aircraft rental and parking fees effective Jan. 1. The land purchase is part of a broader effort to control property along the runway's approach. Airport Director Devon Raisch said the airport is starting with a property owner interested in selling; documents identify the parcel as approximately 22.84 acres on Hudlow Road owned by Roger L. Smith, with the acquisition materials anticipating an outright purchase and no relocation. The vote advances the acquisition process but does not establish a final purchase price or a completed sale.

Airport consultant Greg Kershaw said the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation had reviewed and approved the proposed scope and fees and supports moving forward with this first phase. He described the broader acquisition effort, covering multiple properties north of the runway, as potentially exceeding $2 million, while saying he did not have an exact figure. He recommended using older accumulated airport grant funds for the initial phase to reduce the risk of losing money when funding expires, and said state officials have indicated willingness to help with later phases.

The authority also approved a revised fee schedule that Raisch described as a market adjustment to help offset airport costs. Monthly community hangar rates will range from $250 for aircraft with wingspans under 40 feet to $850 for wingspans from 65 feet to under 70 feet, with increases of roughly $50 per category. Monthly outdoor parking for aircraft with wingspans under 40 feet rises from $60 to $70, as the ramp area is becoming crowded and the airport incurs costs replacing tie-down ropes. Qualifying aircraft using community-style space in Hangar 1B will pay $400 per month.

In another vote, the authority authorized Raisch to work with the county attorney on terms for an Atlas Gateway payment processing agreement, with clearer written provisions allowing the airport to exit the agreement. Raisch said the base service carries no new associated cost at this time and would help process and track airport sales. The authority also approved its 2027 meeting schedule. Raisch reported that a state pavement evaluation team had begun inspecting the airport that morning to help identify maintenance needs and potential state assistance.