FedEx Breaks Ground On New FedEx Ground Facility

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration completed a six-month review of a five-year noise study of Greensboro, NC's Piedmont Triad International Airport, giving the go-ahead for the establishment of a new mid-Atlantic FedEx cargo hub.

The noise study, begun in early 2003, was completed last spring. Airport officials, dozens of volunteers, residents, consultants, and even opponents of the proposed hub worked together, coming up with recommendations to deal with the noise.

FAA approval of the study, announced Tuesday at the November meeting of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, paves the way for application for matching federal funds to cover up to 95 percent of the cost of implementing the study's proposals.

Noise compatibility procedures include adjustment of flight patterns, buying and soundproofing houses close to the airport, and establishment of an aircraft noise monitor system, the McClatchy-Tribune reported.

By the summer of 2009, the $300 million hub should be fully operational, with an estimated 126 daily FedEx flight operations occurring between 10 pm and 4 am.

Close on the heels of the FAA approval was Friday's ground breaking ceremony at a new FedEx Ground sort facility near the airport. An investment of $100 million, the 400,000 square-foot facility is to be built on a 125-acre tract in the Triad Business Park, and slated to open in 2011.

Greensboro Economic Development Alliance chairman Chuck Cornelio said, "The economic impact of a new FedEx Ground sort hub is tremendous. FedEx is making another very substantial investment in Guilford County because they see the opportunity our work force and community represents."

The Alliance estimates FedEx will directly employ close to 2,000 locally when both facilities are fully operational.

FMI: www.flyfrompti.com, www.fedex.com