AOPA urges N.C. general assembly to strengthen IGX protections

June 3, 2004 - AOPA is working with North Carolina lawmakers to strengthen protections for Horace Williams Airport (IGX) in Chapel Hill, even though recent news reports have indicated the airport may not close next January when its legislative reprieve expires.

H.R. 1572, as currently written, only ensures that the airport - owned and operated by the University of North Carolina - will maintain the medical school's aircraft unit at IGX until "a suitable replacement facility becomes operational." AOPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative Chris Hudson has been lobbying legislative leaders and working with local pilots to broaden the measure to:

• Retain full general aviation access at IGX;
• Prevent incompatible land use and protect existing airport infrastructure; and
• Maintain the airport to ensure safe operations.

AOPA will continue to work the North Carolina General Assembly, seeking support for these additional H.R. 1572 protections for IGX. The legislature is expected to adjourn prior to the Fourth of July holiday.

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