CD: Joint effort to improve aerospace industry

TIM PRATT

STARKVILLE — Improvements could be on the way to Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and the surrounding infrastructure thanks to a joint effort between the city of Starkville, Oktibbeha County, MSU and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

The entities are joining together to request federal funding to repair and resurface Airport Road, where the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and George Bryan Field are located, on the west side of town. The funds also would be used to build a new access road more than 200 yards from Highway 25 to a new western entrance to George Bryan Field.

“Doing so will open up land for possible aerospace industry development, as well as improved services to industries in our area,” Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum said of the proposed access road.

The road projects are budgeted at $800,000.

Local officials also plan to request federal funding for improvements to equipment at the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, they announced at a press conference at the facility, Wednesday.

One equipment item of significant importance is the autoclave, which, at 10 feet wide and 55 feet long, requires an upgrade and certification to efficiently manufacture parts for both manned and unmanned aircraft.

The improvements to the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, budgeted at $500,000, and surrounding infrastructure are the result of a community roundtable meeting last month between the city, county, MSU and GSDP.

“This is an example of our city, our county, our business community and our university joining together to advance economic opportunities for Starkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University,” Keenum said.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.