The legislation that will take effect July 1 replaces the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, which was composed of five members and was appointed by Jackson City Council. It is replaced with a larger nine-member board for state-level appointments. Madison County has chosen Robert E. Matthews to be its representative. Matthews was a member of the U.S. Air Force, Mississippi Air National Guard and retired in September 2002 as a brigadier general. Matthews declined Friday’s telephone interview. Mississippi Today received Matthews’ resume, and cover letter from Tony Greer, Madison County administrator. My flying experience has allowed my to fly around the globe, as well as in all 50 states and many of their territories. Matthews stated that this has enabled him to observe firsthand the activities of other airports and to learn from them what is needed to grow the aviation industry. Matthews, who retired from the guard, founded M J & G Enterprises, an administrative management company. He is also the treasurer at Madison United Methodist Church. Both Jackson’s leaders and the current airport board said that they would fight for change, even if it meant suing. The Jackson airport board members and several state legislators held an information conference on June 14. They cited a new Federal Aviation Administration rule, which oversees the nation’s airports. They claimed it would prevent the creation of a new board. The rule clarifies that the agency has the “authority, policy, and authority to monitor and approve requests to modify the sponsorship of, or operational responsibility for, an airfield from one public agency (or both) when there is a dispute surrounding it.” Senator Josh Harkins, R-Flowood was the sponsor of the legislation. He said that the FAA rule doesn’t supersede state law. The regional Jackson Airport Authority is composed of the Adjutant General of Mississippi National Guard or his designee. One commissioner was appointed by Jackson City Council for an inaugural term of one-year. One commissioner was appointed by Madison County Board of Supervisors to serve a three-year term. Two commissioners are appointed by the Rankin County Board of Supervisors to serve a four-year term. One must hold a valid FAA pilot’s license. For a period not exceeding five years, one commissioner is appointed by Jackson’s lieutenant governor.