Airport receives $4M in grants to increase air traffic, economic development

The Middle Georgia Regional Airport is receiving $4,012,500 in grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation after an allocation by the General Assembly and advocacy work by Macon-Bibb County and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.

Construct T-Hangars

State Funding Amount: $1,575,000

Construct Box Hangar

State Funding Amount: $1,500,000

East Drive Extension

State Funding Amount: $937,500

The construction of an approximately 10,000 square foot box hangar will allow the Airport to accommodate multiple aircraft in one building. A row of t-hangars will be leased to individual aircraft owners, thus allowing the airport to grow its general aviation (GA) services. The extension of East Drive will provide access and utilities to a highly desired area of the airport that can be developed in the future.

"With these three projects, we'll be able to expand services at the airport, all while directly addressing a national aircraft storage issue," says Airport Director Doug Faour. "Once complete, new land will be available for potential private and industrial development, and we will have increased our aircraft storage capacity by 20-25%."

These grants are in addition to the state funds allocated in 2023 for the extension of the runway at the airport, another major economic development project long understood as necessary. Funding for these projects is part of a new funding mechanism by the GDOT after advocacy by the General Assembly, counties, cities, and airports.

"Our airports are really taking off in terms of major improvements and growth, from the runway extension to the new FBO to increased industries and now new hangars," says Mayor Lester Miller. "It's recognized around the state how important this airport is to the entire Middle Georgia region, and I want to thank all of the people, agencies, and state legislators and officials who worked together as a team to make these funds available."

"As an aviator myself, I know firsthand that regional airports are catalysts for economic growth in communities across the state, so I was proud to work with the Georgia Department of Transportation to identify funding for the Middle Georgia Regional Airport," says Senator John F. Kennedy. "I am grateful to the Mayor and our local leadership for their vision and commitment to improving this valuable resource. I look forward to working with them as they continue to create a world-class airport right here in Macon-Bibb."

"The expansion of Middle Georgia Regional Airport through this grant will translate to a very positive economic impact for the community," said Tim Golden, State Transportation Board member representing Georgia's 8th Congressional District. "Expanding the airport's general aviation services and building for even more growth in the future adds yet another element to Macon-Bibb's increasing status as a desirable place to live, work, play, and do business."

"I am so pleased the Middle Georgia Regional Airport is receiving more than four million dollars to help fund needed projects because its continued improvement and development is a major part of the continued economic development of Middle Georgia," says Representative Dale Washburn. "Helping advance continued development of the airport is a very high priority for me. I appreciate the efforts of Senator Kennedy, Mayor Lester Miller, and the Commission working together to identify the state and local funding."

"Our communities are filled with one-of-a-kind business, tourism, and recreational opportunities," adds Senator Kennedy. "I am committed to making it easier for people across the country to see what the heart of Georgia has to offer."

Middle Georgia Regional Airport Growth

"Most people see airports as being used for just passenger air service, but they are much more than that. They are economic centers for entire regions, and we need to make sure they have the necessary resources to grow to meet the needs of the area," says Mayor Miller.

These projects follow the announcement of several other major improvements and expansions being made at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport to better serve the public, industries, passengers, and the entire air service industry. From the extension of the runway to a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal, the Middle Georgia Regional Airport is poised to see larger planes, more passengers, more industry growth, and more economic development in the coming years.

In January 2023, Macon-Bibb, the Airport, and many partners broke ground on the runway extension, a project that has been needed for many years.

 "This extension will provide so much opportunity for the growth at our airport and will make it more convenient for our current tenants," said Mayor Miller. "This is a project that has been in the works for many years, and we are thrilled that it is finally happening."

The first phase of the project will be the construction of a retaining wall near the approach end of Runway 5, which is in the southwest corner of airport property near Sardis Church Road. The estimated cost for the first phase is approximately $2 million and it's being funded partially from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Highway Division.

In October 2023, the Airport unveiled plans for its new FBO terminal, which is now known as High Note Aviation. Management of the FBO had fully transitioned to the airport earlier that month, and part of that transition was to create a new, updated space for pilots and visitors when they arrive at the Airport. A new building was designed to look like be a guitar, with angles that look like a piano. It will have a restaurant, conference room, event lawn, and extra space for visitors to hang out in.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.