Public commenting on Paulding airport commercialization continues

December 1, 2015 Dallas: Cathy Helms, of nearby Yorkville, signs up to speak against the commercial expansion of the airport in Paulding County before a hearing Tuesday evening December 1, 2015. More than 70 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Ben Gray / bgray@ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

December 1, 2015 Dallas: Cathy Helms, of nearby Yorkville, signs up to speak against the commercial expansion of the airport in Paulding County before a hearing Tuesday evening December 1, 2015. More than 70 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Ben Gray / bgray@ajc.com

As the debate rages on over whether Paulding County's airport should be commercialized, the public commenting period for an environmental assessment of the project has been extended.

The Federal Aviation Administration has extended the comment period from Dec. 11 until Jan. 10, in response to community requests, according to a public filing.

June 25, 2014 - Paulding County - Planes are parked on the tarmac in an area where jet operations are planned. Construction is under way on new hangers (right). Taxi way expansion has been completed, and construction continues in FBO area of Paulding County Airport. First, Delta CEO Richard Anderson said he would fight Paulding County's effort to commercialize its airport. Then residents filed four legal challenges. Now, the city of Atlanta is threatening legal action, saying Paulding, which purchased land from Atlanta for the airport back in 2007, is in breach of contract on that deal. Paulding officials deny that and say Atlanta's opposition flies in the face of the regionalism that Mayor Kasim Reed spoke about to leaders there a few years ago. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

The comment period began Oct. 20, and the firm conducting the environmental assessment held a public hearing Dec. 1. More than 300 people attended the hearing, with dozens commenting.

December 1, 2015 Dallas: Cathy Helms, of nearby Yorkville, signs up to speak against the commercial expansion of the airport in Paulding County before a hearing Tuesday evening December 1, 2015. More than 70 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Ben Gray / bgray@ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

icon to expand image

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi