Regional airport an economic driver for Apache Junction
Airport authority has representation from Apache Junction, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix
by Richard Dyer | Daily Independent
Employment opportunities will increase for Apache Junction residents as retail, commercial and industrial development expands at a nearby regional airport.
That connection will become close are Apache Junction continues to grow to the south near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and ultimately will bolster the city’s economy, airport officials told city leaders this week.
“The airport is going to be adding jobs — high-paying jobs, high-wage jobs — and a tremendous amount of new development at the airport, and we want to work in partnership with Apache Junction to make sure that your employees — your future employees, your students — are prepared to compete and get those jobs and be able to work right here in their backyard,” said Brian O’Neill, executive director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, during the March 2 Apache Junction City Council meeting. “Because as you continue to grow down toward the (State Route) 24, you’re going to be right in the airport’s backyard and I think now more than ever our strong relationship is really going to pay dividends.”
