ROANOKE RAPIDS — A lofty 13-year-old dream has taken flight and the building and tarmac are more than an airport — they are part of a new economic development tool for Halifax and Northampton counties.

Lance Martin | Daily Herald From left, Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport Manager Ralph Johnson, Halifax County Manager Tony Brown and airport authority Chairman David King look over aviation maps prior to the grand opening ceremony yesterday. Advertisement

That was the consensus of officials gathered for the grand opening of the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport yesterday, a facility which when all phases are completed will represent a $19 million investment in the area.

“We kicked this off in January of 1996,” Airport Authority Chairman David King said prior to the opening ceremony. “City council looked at ways to expand the (Halifax County) airport.”

There were too many hurdles, residences and businesses, to make expansion possible, he said. “The decision was made to pursue a green field site.”

Some 12 sites were reviewed and one, off N.C. Highway 903, was chosen. It would end up being a site near where Halifax County would later locate an industrial park.

King said the efforts to bring a modern airport to the area resulted from a collaborative effort between Northampton and Halifax counties, the town of Weldon and the city of Roanoke Rapids. “Two counties and two municipalities worked together which I think is impressive. There were many trials and tribulations along the way,” he said to bring, “A facility we can all be proud of.”

Completion of the airport completes a transportation puzzle tying it to the nation’s busiest interstate — I-95 — and the thriving seaports of Norfolk, Va.,  King said.

The 5,500-feet runway can accommodate all modern corporate aircraft with three instrument approaches. Two years from now, with the completion of a precision instrument landing system, which Congressman G.K. Butterfield has provided $1 million for the lighting system, these aircraft will be able to land in a 200 feet ceiling with a half-mile visibility.

The airport, its manager, Ralph Johnson, said, will serve as a welcome mat. “It’s what draws business here. The old airport couldn’t provide the same service. Back in the day it was state of the art. This is the airport of the future.”

It is, King said, the most modern general aviation airport in the state and means companies no longer have to land their jets in Rocky Mount and drive to Roanoke Rapids or Northampton County. “Patch Rubber CEOs, people visiting NCCAR are not hitchhiking, they’re flying in. People visiting the industrial park are not taking Trailways.”

King said the 18 hangars at the airport have been rented and more hangar space is being planned.

“I think this is a logical progression for us,” Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gene Minton said during the ceremony. “It is a nice airport. I don’t think you’ll see any waste.”

Minton’s counterpart in Northampton County, Robert V. Carter, said he was pleased the two counties were partners. “Northampton is partnering with Halifax County to open the Roanoke Valley area to the business world.”

Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale said when the city was recruiting Lowe’s, one of the things company officials mentioned was the long drive they had to North Wilkesboro. “They said y’all need an airport. Today we have an airport.”

Richard Barkes, acting aviation director for the state Department of Transportation, said of the airport, “This is the first impression you’ll make.”

State Rep. Michael Wray said, “The airport is a great opportunity for our people and our community. Lowe’s flies a $40 million Falcon to Rocky Mount. Now they’ll fly here to see their employees.”