Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Rep. Alex Monsour, R-Vicksburg, the chairman of the House Ports, Harbors and Airports Committee, introduced an amended version of the Jackson airport "takeover" bill today to his committee; the bill passed through his committee. Photo by Imani Khayyam.
JACKSON — The City of Jackson might get more representation on its airport commission, and that board would not have the authority to sell airport property, but could still lease it, under an amended airport bill a Mississippi House committee passed this morning.
The airport "takeover" bill passed through the House Ports, Harbors and Airports Committee today—with some changes. The committee's version of the original Senate Bill 2162 includes amendments that would change the governing authority of the Jackson airport to include representatives from other counties and state agencies. The chairman, Rep. Alex Monsour, R-Vicksburg, told the committee this morning that despite the controversy the bill has caused, he wants it to be fair.
Unfriendly Skies: Can Jackson Save Its Airport?
Republican lawmakers from outside the capital city announced in January a plan to take control of the Jackson airport.
"We want it to be fair and be a bill that would work with the City of Jackson and the surrounding areas," Monsour said.
The committee's new "strike-all" version would would prohibit the new airport authority from selling airport property, but it could still lease it. The amended bill would also change who is on the board.
The adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard and the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (or their designees) would still get permanent spots on the new board. Then the Jackson mayor, the Jackson City Council, and Madison and Rankin County Boards of Supervisors each would get one commissioner appointment. The governor's and the lieutenant governor's picks must be from the city of Jackson, under Monsour's amendments. He said that this way, the City gets five seats on the board.
What's Behind the Airport 'Takeover'?
Sen. Josh Harkins owns and lists land near the Jackson Airport. He says it's not a conflict of interest, though.
However, Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes, D-Gulfport, told the committee that the amended bill still gives Gov. Phil Bryant more appointments than anyone because, as governor, he technically appoints the adjutant general and the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Monsour said with the changes proposed in his amendments, the City of Jackson will have more seats on the new airport authority than any other entity.
The mayor's appointed commissioner would only serve an initial term of one year, and the city council's commissioner would serve for two years. The Madison County Board of Supervisors' pick would serve an initial term of three years, and the Rankin County Board of Supervisors' pick would get to stay for four years. The governor and lieutenant governor's commissioners can stay for five years.
Only Democrats asked questions about the bill, and the three Democrats on the committee voted against its passage, but it passed by a vote of 7-3.
The committee was slated to meet at 8:30 a.m., but as soon as the meeting convened, Monsour called for a recess until 11 a.m. Then, the committee room was packed full of senators, including Sen. Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, who authored the original bill in the Senate, as well as representatives from Jackson. The bill now heads to the House calendar, and will be eligible to go into conference upon passage because of the House committee's changes.
For more airport coverage and background on the Jackson airport story visit jacksonfreepress.com/airport.