Flying High
Over Cherokee County The history of the CCPC Regional Airport is a testament to the determination of visionaries who knew it would be tantamount to the growth of the area.
Father and son piloting team, Wendell and Michael Pruitt
The airport opened in 2006, becoming the first federally funded Alabama airport since 1992. The growth of Alabama municipal airports had been stagnant for 15 years.
of six members and one chairman. The mayors and city councils would nominate two board members each, with the chairman chosen at large.
Early on, individuals from Piedmont and Centre had the same dream. Each city wanted to bring aviation traffic and airport facilities to the area. The existing Centre airport was unable to expand due to land locks and construction encroachments. Piedmont was on tap for an airport, but lack of funding and suitable sites kept the project from moving forward.
James Beall, one of the authority’s founders, believed that aviation facilities are an economic catalyst to any area. “Having an airport is the key requirement for the recruitment of new industry.”
With the determination and insight of the leadership of the two cities and Cherokee County, the planning moved feasibility into place. In 2000, the Centre-Piedmont-Cherokee County Regional Airport Authority was incorporated, uniting the three groups. It was decided that each entity have two representatives that would serve on the board of the authority. Meeting monthly, the board would be comprised
The Alabama Department of Transportation was impressed with the new airport authority, stating that “They collectively were able to accomplish what would have been very difficult for them individually.” The Centre-Piedmont-Cherokee County Regional Airport Authority had a realistic proposal together. The terrain of available land was ideal. Without encumbrances, the 300 plus acres of pilot-friendly farmland was purchased. Funding appropriated from federal, state and local sponsors brought
CPCCA Board of Directors, Left to Right: Kirk Day, Bill Baker, Donnie Free, Lee Hubbard, Andy Ellis, Dr. Brian Perry, Brent Morrison, and Tony Wilkie. Not Pictured: Bobby Allred, Terry Conaway, Jay Jordan. 10
