PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – It was a highly anticipated vote by some Eastern Kentucky leaders.
The Pike County Fiscal Court was asked to pass a resolution asking for multi-county coal severance money that would help fund commercial air service.
The fiscal courtroom was packed Tuesday with people waiting and wondering what the fate of commercial air service would be.
Without a resolution from the court asking for multi-county coal severance money, the possibilities for air service would be unlikely.
They have debated the topic for months, and Tuesday’s meeting was no different.
“I feel like we need to look at this airport as the potential for growth for pike county,” said District 5 Magistrate Hillman Dotson.
Some disagree.
“The overall success rate for this program is thirty percent. Now that’s not the kind of investment i would make with my money,” said District 6 Magistrate Chris Harris.
After everyone had spoken their opinions about commercial air service, it came down to the vote. Many people say they were not sure how it would end up.
Judge Rutherford made the motion, and after a long pause the vote was on.
The court passed the resolution five to two.
Supporters call it a victory for the region.
“It’s a sign on progressive vision, and I think it creates a positive business environment for local industry and new industry looking for the area,” said Jared Arnett, Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President.
Others fear it will be money wasted.
“For us to say there’s this extra money sitting over there we just need to grab it before someone else does, I don’t fall in line with that,” said Harris.
But for now all they can do is wait and see.
The court should know in about a month if it is awarded the multi-county coal severance money.