southwest and delta probably didn't want to mess up their numbers during the two busiest travel weekends in the year. hence, they make no moves until after the first of the year.
as for the map, would that require buying up private land, under the right of imminent domain, and, if so, it seems that you're talking about a good deal of time? the ms legislature has already approved that huge development (riverbend development?) about 4 years ago. they extended the length of time by 7 years, due to the economy. however, work is being done on housing and other buildings in that area. supposedly, the development will provide housing for approximately 9,000 residents and their will be extensive retail, and water park, recreational park, etc. the way that map is presented would certainly carry the east-west traffic for such a development. i was under the impression that shelby county's part would hook up to what is already there for 71 w/in the next 2 or 3 years. i've been on the ms to ala section all the way to b'ham 2 0r 3 times. that east-west route may have been an add on. I-69 was quickly built to connect the casinos to the I-55 interstate. also, industrial buildings have already been built in that area. still, it looks as if it will take a few years to finish.
after reading the information regarding the airport conference, the 18 month study at a cost of 2.4 million, for a problem that even the crackheads on the street probably know about, i just decided to add these comments. again, it is not my intention to trash the leaders of the city or county, but it is ridiculous to spend money on a problem that is well documented, evident, and will get no better until leaders get involved, give directives about clean-up, and get the job done. i refuse to believe that no one knew what things looked like in that area over the last five years. i read the mpo outline for the airport over 4 years ago. at that writing, they seemed to believe that it was crucial to improve the entrance to the airport w/ the planting of trees, flowers, and construction of a better entrance for traffic. also, there was agreement that bill boards needed to be limited and plough blvd needed to be improved aesthetically. i think, if i am not mistaken, most of these things have been accomplished. i, however, agree w/ the speaker, who spoke about his 5 million dollar investment to purchase a headquarters building for the specific purpose of moving forward w/ active plans concerning the aerotropolis. i think he was correct, when he called out local leaders about failing to accomplish set goals, but seeing obvious failure in reaching local accomplishments in the concept. those things need to be explained to the citizens of this county. nothing but "foot-dragging." again, there is talk, talk, talk, formation of groups and appointment of consultants, but there is no sense of urgency in getting these jobs completed, these goals accomplished, and move on to other things. progressive business waits for no one. people get tired of hearing about the resources available, what can be done, being on the cusp of major accomplishment, yet we see relatively little progress. who is going to wait on the airport concept over the next 18 months, and when the recommendations come, will there be government leaders to read them?
one last question, has the city of memphis and shelby county undertaken any studies to get hard numbers of those supposedly burning up the roads to the airport at little rock and nashville? i think that it is important for the people of our area to know. by knowing, perhaps, the citizens of our area will make judgments concerning demands on our airport, what it should do or not do, or determine that it is a relatively insignificant number. i do, nevertheless, think that it is very telling about the 5 years, the investment in the building, and the apparent state of the vicinity. btw, i will say that most of the urban airports that i have flown from and to have been in pretty industrial and somewhat "dumpy" parts of the cities.