here.There is also a phenomenal amount of ancient Native American archaeology, and this is a special fascination to Europeans,” Lewis describes. “With the new commercial service, it just makes it a lot easier for them to get here,” he notes. With an economic transition from an energybased economy to more of a tourism or outdoor recreational destination, Lewis understands the vital link the airport plays in ensuring that businesses thrive and new business ventures see the value in setting up shop. “The weather is pretty good year-round,” he points out.“We also have a lot of things here for people to do outside.” Around the airport itself, there is also acreage that Lewis knows is a prime location for new businesses, both aviation-based and non-aeronautical. “On the north side of the airport, we have about 120 acres of land that is not currently used and is the airport property, which is city land.” “I have been working with the Four Corners Economic Development Group and our own City Economic Development Director on a joint project to look at the feasibility of putting an industrial park on the north side of the airport,” Lewis elaborates. He highlights that there is enough room to put in various businesses or entities that would benefit from being near the airfield and that there is enough room behind the airport that could potentially bring in other commercial entities that would be able to take advantage of the proximity to the airport. Lewis notes that jointly, the city and airport 184 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08
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