Roswell approves deal to lease strip for drag races

Drag races will continue in Roswell as the city has agreed to lease an airstrip to a local hot rod group for less than what it would charge other groups.

The Roswell Daily Record reports that the Legal Committee unanimously agreed Monday to lease the runway at the Roswell International Air Center to Alien City Dragway for $500 a month, with a $500 deposit.

Interim Air Center Director Scott Stark told the Legal Committee that the 35-acre runway would net much more money renting as airplane storage.

Alien City Dragway Board President Ben Thomas says the city may be able to charge more rent to other companies, but the drag races bring more than just rent. He says the drag races generate revenue from visitors and that the company has been improving the runway with their own money.