Correction: The initial data in the following article regarding the Fayetteville Airport was outdated and has since been updated to reflect the correct economic impact. 

The City of Fayetteville has been awarded  $965,830 from the Golden LEAF Foundation to be implemented in a variety of ways across the area. 

FCEDC, the City, and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission will be using the funds for a variety of projects, to include replacing a sewer lift station, constructing a force main and conducting due diligence activities for property at the Fayetteville airport. 

The property at the airport is 172.13 developable acres. 

Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $4,910,962 for the first round of their SITE Program in their December meeting. In the development category of the program, $4,794,962 was allocated for six projects that will “provide public infrastructure and, for publicly owned sites, clearing and rough grading, to benefit sites that have completed the due diligence necessary to demonstrate that the site is suitable for development.” 

City Manager Doug Hewitt sees development at the Airport as an opportunity to attract economic development in the area. “To capture these opportunities, getting sites ready for development is paramount. Replacing the lift station will get us one step closer to being able to expand this area, creating new jobs for Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Hewett said.

The Fayetteville Airport serves 434,000 passengers a year, and accounts for  4,575 jobs, and an economic impact of $790 million dollars. “There are currently four site development opportunities at the Airport totaling 130 developable acres,” the press release said. 

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation is partnering with that airport, City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County on establishing the Airport Business Corridor. 

“The Airport is an economic powerhouse for Fayetteville and Cumberland County. We are excited to further maximize the commercial potential of the Airport site by creating the Airport Business Corridor,” said Robert Van Geons, CEcD, FCEDC President & CEO. “By investing in site development, Fayetteville and Cumberland County will be more competitive for economic development projects, which has a ripple effect across our community.”

The corridor addresses zoning, land use, infrastructure, site development and streetscape.

Dr. Toney Coleman, the director of the airport, is thankful for the impact that the grant will have.  “Receipt of the Golden LEAF grant to replace PWC's Lift Station #29 directly links to the infrastructure improvements identified in Fayetteville Regional Airport's Master Plan. With this upgrade in equipment, PWC will be able to provide services to airport areas previously unserved due to capacity constraints. On behalf of City and Airport Management, I send a sincere thank you to all involved in helping us secure this award,” Coleman said. 

“Utility infrastructure upgrades and expanding utility systems are essential to a community’s growth. Funding these projects is a challenge not just for Fayetteville, but across our nation. The Golden LEAF award is a win for Fayetteville. It helps move an important project forward, and PWC is excited to be part of this work,” said Elaina Ball, CEO/General Manager, PWC.

“The need for industrial sites was a gap identified in our recent strategic planning process,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “The Golden LEAF Board is excited to provide funding through the SITE Program to the City of Fayetteville. This funding will provide needed infrastructure at the Fayetteville Regional Airport site for increased economic development opportunities.”