Governor Martin and other key state politicians put their weight behind the proposed creation of a combined international cargo airport and manufacturing complex.
Walden, in opposing the proposed air cargo complex in Kinston, argues that the Global TransPark would be a speculative venture that would risk taxpayers' money and create noise and other environmental problems.
Martin, in supporting the proposed air cargo complex in Kinston, argues that NC should seize this profitable opportunity, which could create thousands of jobs and pump millions of dollars into the state's economy.
The Global TransPark is a proposed air cargo complex/industrial park to be built in Lenoir County. Backers are already marketing the facility, but recently difficulties have arisen in securing adequate funding.
The Global TransPark, or GTP, is taking shape as determined, long-range planning and regional boosterism combine to promote the project and address concerns, such as the method ultimately used to obtain land.
John O. McNairy, president and CEO of Kinston-based Harvey Enterprises, believes that the Global TransPark will benefit farmers as well as manufacturers.
Governor Hunt and other Global TransPark (GTP) supporters are hoping that Mountain Air Cargo's decision to locate a facility at GTP in Kinston will attract more transportation tenants to the facility.
In 1990 John Kasarda proposed his original vision for the Global TransPark, to be located in Kinston, to then-Governor Martin, who embraced the idea and began efforts to finance it. Now, however, many obstacles impede the realization of Kasarda's vision
When the plans were introduced in 1992, the Global TransPark in Kinston was to be an industrial city built around an airport. Over 55,000 jobs were envisioned. However, plans changed over the past eleven years. Martin discusses what happened and the current status of the project.
The air cargo business has taken off in North Carolina, a trend that may prove pivotal in deciding if the state should build the Global TransPark. Some worry that the facility will take business from the private sector, but supporters contend it could lift the state to economic prominence.