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| This model shows how the heliport might look. |
Upon the creation of a downtown heliport, more federal dollars will be released to the city of Knoxville. This is exactly what the mayor’s office has discovered and exactly what they intend to do. The $400 million facility will be 20% subsidized under new legislation passed by congress authorizing municipalities to protect themselves. The heliport is also seen as a way to draw high-salaried executives (and their companies) to Knoxville, as they will finally have a place to park. Additionally, the heliport will generate revenue from people seeking aerial tours of the city, many of whom would otherwise stay on the interstate. Finally, it will be a convenient location for the Sheriff’s Department to park its helicopter fleet. The heliport is expected to pay for itself within 300 years.