DALTON, Ga. — Two new hangars that can house 20 aircraft are ready at the Dalton Municipal Airport for when an improving economy puts the rug back under the region’s top industry.

“Flying is a benefit to more than just pilots,” said Frank Hobbs, a member and former head of the city’s airport commission. “It is an economic tool that brings business to the local community.”

The floor covering industry, and Dalton, has been slammed by the economic downturn, but all will improve at some point, and better general facilities are waiting at Carpet Capital Aviation Inc., officials said.

Mr. Hobbs said it is hard to “put a dollar number” on how much communities benefit from having an airport. As with many government services, though, it contributes to the overall development of a city and the surrounding area, he said.

For complete story, see Sunday’s North Georgia page.