By Erin Smith, BladenOnline.com

While temperatures were chilly, there was an air of excitement at the Curtis Brown Jr. Field (Elizabethtown Airport) on Tuesday morning as dignitaries and guests gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new terminal building.

The new terminal, which will measure about 4,500 square feet, will be constructed on the site of the former terminal building and was designed by local Architect Chris Adams. The new terminal will feature office space, a conference room, a pilot’s lounge, classroom space, restroom facilities, kitchen space, shower facilities, and storage space. The projected completion date for the project is October 2018.

Elizabethtown Mayor Sylvia Campbell welcomed members of the Elizabethtown Town Council, the Elizabethtown Airport and Economic Development Board, County Commissioners, and guests. Campbell said, “It (the airport) is a huge economic development tool. We are so thankful for that.”

Introductions included Elizabethtown Airport and Economic Development Commission’s Fred Tate, Architect Chris Adams, Graca Builders of Whiteville, and W. K. Dickson Engineer Brigid Williams.