U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) recently sent a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the status of a poultry processing plant that is proposed to be located at a property owned by the Gadsden Airport Authority.

Earlier this year, the congressman asked the FAA to review the proposed plant over safety concerns due to the possibility of it attracting wildlife to the airport. The FAA responded to Aderholt by stating that the Jackson Airports District Office shared the concerns voiced by his constituents.

The Gadsden Times reports that the FAA, in its October 21 determination, raised no objections to the construction proposal submitted by Pilgrim’s Pride, given that numerous conditions are met. However, the agency noted that the determination should not be construed as an approval.

In turn, Aderholt requested to meet with FAA officials to gauge where the situation currently stands.

The congressman’s letter states, “I previously raised this issue with you in a July 7, 2021 letter suggesting your office thoroughly review this matter. Given this issue’s importance for my constituents, I would appreciate a briefing for my office as well as for local officials, either in person in my Washington office or virtual, and additional information about this determination and the remaining process, during the week of Monday November 1, 2021.”

In a statement regarding the requested meeting, Aderholt asserted that his constituents remain in opposition to the proposed plant.

“It’s clear that the vast majority of the people of Gadsden and Etowah County are absolutely opposed to this proposal for the airport,” proclaimed Aderholt. “While I have made this position clear to the FAA, I am requesting a meeting as soon as possible to reiterate these concerns and to get a better understanding of the FAA’s current thinking.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL