Video: Golden Triangle Gets $750,000 Incentive Grant

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LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — A $750,000 federal grant could be the kind of incentive an airline needs to add westbound service to Dallas from Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

Golden Triangle was notified this afternoon it is one of only 16 airports in the country to be awarded the grant. Gulfport also received $350,000 to attract service to Minneapolis.

After reaching almost peak capacity on its current eastbound Delta flights to Atlanta, the airport has been trying to get new service to Dallas. Airport leaders say a growing number of businesses, Columbus Air Force Base and Mississippi State need the service.

The airport also has expanded its terminal in anticipation of picking up more passengers through expanded service.

The grant would guarantee an airline a revenue stream to get the flights started. Airport Director Mike Hainsey says the grant will enable the airport board to finalize a strategy for approaching American Eagle and other potential carriers early next year as the airline industry comes out of a consolidation mode.

“The grant is part of our long-term plan to grow our air service options for the communities in the Golden Triangle. It will provide us with the incentives we need to attract additional service from a major airline,” Hainsey said.