Construction on Branson Regional Airport will begin at the end of this month, thanks to $113 million worth of revenue bonds. According to Steve Peet, President of Branson Airport LLC, the bonds – underwritten by Citigroup – will mature in 30 years.
It is hoped that the new airport – scheduled for a May 2009 opening – will attract commercial flights and ease the travel options for the eight million annual visitors to Branson.
Travelers currently have to fly to Springfield-Branson National Airport, a 52-mile drive away from Branson.
Susan Wade, Spokeswoman for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, said that the potential financial impact of Branson Regional Airport on Springfield was not yet clear.
“It all remains to be seen,” she said.
The enforced 52-mile drive is having a noticeable effect on tourism in the region – though 24 percent of passengers departing from Springfield-Branson Airport in May 2006 stayed at least one night in Branson, this was a decline of 53 percent from the previous year.
Bloomberg reported that Branson Airport LLC will use the bonds to build a 7,140 foot runway, as well as the one-terminal airport and connecting roadways.
The 430-acre project has now been in development for five years.
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