WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsFundraising for MB Air Park passes $1 million mark

Fundraising for MB Air Park passes $1 million mark

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A proposed air park to be built at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base is getting some help from Verizon, as company officials presented a $300,000 check towards the project to the Horry County Council Tuesday.

Horry County Councilwoman Liz Gilland says the company's generous donation pushes fundraising for the project over the $1 million mark. While fundraising efforts will continue, Gilland says a projected project cost won't be revealed until county officials have a better feel on what tenants will occupy the air park.

Officials with the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation say the air park will occupy a plot of land across from the Myrtle Beach International Airport, in close proximity to the Market Common.

The land, however, must be rezoned on the former Air Force Base before the park's plans are put into motion.

The aviation park is projected to create thousands of jobs and pump millions into the Myrtle Beach economy. A big draw for companies eyeing up the park is the runway's length, which will allow for large aircrafts to fly in and out of the area.

Horry County officials estimate the park could take 10 years to construct and construction could begin as early as next spring.

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