The $25 million expansion project included the construction of a new 5,500-foot runway and parallel taxiway, aprons, lighting and access roads, plus the new 10,000-square-foot terminal. The terminal – named “Tunica Air Center” – features a two-story central atrium with expansive windows allowing a panoramic view of the airport. Tunica Air Center has offices for airport staff, pilots’ lounge, conference room, and facilities for passenger check-in and baggage handling. The new runway and infrastructure were designed for corporate and regional jet aircraft. A future expansion project planned for 2004 will accommodate narrow-body commercial aircraft.

Local officials and residents, as well as area business leaders and representatives throughout the state, attended today’s grand opening ceremony. Following a brief program, Senator Lott raised the flag at the new Tunica Air Center, praising the partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration, Tunica County, the State of Mississippi and Town of Tunica.

“Cooperation between federal, state and local officials made this possible, with this Phase 1 expansion providing Tunica with a significantly enhanced infrastructure that will have a positive impact on our tourism industry,” stated Webster Franklin, President and CEO of the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the airport expansion and the opening of Tunica National Golf & Tennis and Tunica RiverPark this fall, Tunica becomes an even more attractive destination.”

Cliff Nash, airport director, stated “Our airfield and terminal are yet another type of ‘welcome mat’ that we extend to the millions of visitors who come here each year for entertainment. We are already seeing an increase in the air traffic coming into the area now that we have the new runway and enhanced infrastructure.”

This is just the beginning of planned airport development. In 2004, the runway will be lengthened to 7,000 feet, along with the installation of ICS/MALRS, PAPI and AWOS. Later the same year, additions will include an air traffic control tower, private and corporate hangers, 320,000 square feet of commercial apron and a commercial terminal. In 2005, the runway will be expanded to 8,500 feet.

Tunica, an area where cotton, rice, soybean fields and catfish ponds still thrive, is “The South’s Casino Capital.” Located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tunica welcomes more than 12 million visitors annually to its nine world-class casino resorts, with more than 6,300 new hotel rooms, over 40 restaurants, championship golf, outdoor recreation, museums, outlet and antique shopping, and much more. For travel information, please visit the Tunica website at www.tunicamiss.com or call Tunica at 1-888-4TUNICA.