Jimmy Norton with Fly Gwinnett Forward is asking Gwinnett officials to move forward with a proposal to privatize Briscoe Field and is citing an editorial by Benita M. Dodd, vice president of The Georgia Public Policy Foundation, in support of his request. In her editorial, Dodd concludes the recent Hartsfield Jackson study -- that includes a 9,000-foot runaway -- appears to be costly overkill.

“Fly Gwinnett Forward agrees with Ms. Dodd’s assessment and concurs with the facts stated therein,” Norton said in a press release. He went on to encourage regional leaders and Gwinnett County officials to move forward immediately with a Request for Proposals (RFP).

“This is the next step in exploring a unique opportunity to jump-start our economy, reduce the cost of government and bring capital improvement to one of Gwinnett’s most valuable assets, Briscoe Field,” Norton said.

Dodd bases her conclusion on the fact that the proposed 10-gate commercial service would relieve Hartsfield-Jackson, not replace it, and serve aircraft no larger than 737.

However, there has been strong opposition to privatization of Briscoe Field in any form and opponents give much more credence to the Hartsfield Jackson study.

Dodds' editorial can be found at www.gppf.org. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation is an independent think tank that is reported to propose practical, market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians.