ATLANTA --- Clayton County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the City of Atlanta’s request to rename Aviation Boulevard to Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard. The roadway will lead to the main entrance of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, scheduled to open next spring. It also will create a new entrance to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, providing access from I-75 in Clayton County.
“The transformation of Hartsfield-Jackson into the world’s busiest passenger airport is a hallmark of Mayor Jackson's bold vision, leadership and courage," said Mayor Kasim Reed. "The renaming of Aviation Boulevard, as well as the opening of the new international terminal that will bear his name, is a fitting tribute to a man whose leadership continues to have a lasting impact decades after his service as mayor."
“We are very excited about the opening of the international terminal and a new front door to the airport,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. “In addition to honoring former Mayor Jackson, this is an opportunity to enhance transportation in the area and encourage further economic development in Clayton County.”
The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution in 2003 to request that Aviation Boulevard be renamed after Jackson, a former Atlanta mayor who played a key role in expanding the airport and positioning it as a world-class facility. Miller made the formal request during Tuesday’s meeting of the Clayton Board of Commissioners.
During his first term as mayor, Jackson arranged for a major overhaul of the airport’s midfield terminal, which at the time was the largest construction project in the South, covering 2.5 million square feet. Continued improvements modernized the airport and recast it as an international hub. Under his leadership, all business owners, including small, minority and female-owned companies were given new opportunities to build upon their footprint in the local market. Jackson also introduced a thriving art program at the airport, which started in 1979 with the commission of 14 pieces for the main terminal. Today, the collection includes more than 250 pieces of art.
Jackson is remembered for his tireless efforts to move Atlanta onto the world stage as an international city. During his three terms as mayor, Jackson was a leader in bringing the first international air carriers to Atlanta. He also is credited with increasing the number of foreign consular and trade offices in the city and with building international trade relations.
The renaming will be completed in time for the opening of the international terminal.
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