By Elena Marsh, The Pilot
The Moore County Airport is one more than one-third of the way toward reaching its funding goal to bring commercial air service back to the area after 20 years.
Through efforts with the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, the airport has thus far raised more than $1.3 million by local businesses and institutions private donations. The Pinehurst Resort and USGA have both contributed to the fund.
To secure the route, community leaders are working to raise $3 million for a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) fund, a standard performance-based incentive used nationally to launch new airline service until it becomes self-sustaining.
“ I’m proud to report that we have secured more than $1.3 million in pledges so far,” said Natalie Hawkins of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. “And that has some real momentum, some real positive momentum that has come from several lead donors. But, with that means we still need another $1.7 million to reach our goal. If we want to secure air service by next spring, we need to reach that fundraising goal by this summer.”