Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) will welcome the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, Congressman John Mica (R-FL), to Hickory and tour the Hickory Regional Airport on Friday, February 24. The congressmen will meet with local officials and members of the airport task force to discuss issues including commercial air service and the Airport Tower Sharing Program.

“The Hickory Regional Airport is a key part of the infrastructure for attracting businesses and promoting growth in this region,” said Congressman McHenry. “I am pleased that my good friend, Chairman Mica, will be on hand to discuss our airport’s vital role in laying the groundwork for future economic development.”

Even without a commercial air service, Hickory’s airport remains an important component to the region’s transportation network and economy. Friday’s meeting is intended to identify ways the airport can continue contributing to the region going forward.

In 2001, Congressman Mica was named Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee. A panel under the jurisdiction of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the subcommittee has oversight of all matters regarding civil aviation including airport improvement, aviation safety and security, and other related issues. Major federal agencies overseen by the Aviation Subcommittee include the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

After 9/11, Congressman Mica authored the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the new Transportation Security Administration to focus on protecting aviation – as well as all modes of transportation – from future terrorist attacks.

Congressmen McHenry and Mica will entertain media questions from 9:10 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. at the Hickory Regional Airport.