U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced a $3.4 million federal investment in 13 small, rural, and regional airports in communities across Georgia. The grant was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) to be administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The grant’s funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by both Senators and will help rural airports like Henry Tift Myers Airport in Tifton, which will utilize the funds to install a single pump fuel facility. Additional projects across the state will help rehabilitate runway lighting, construct new taxiway and runway space, build new hangar space, and enhance accessibility.
“Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and this is especially true because of our rural airports. Our rural airports connect us to opportunities and each other, and drive economic growth,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “With this latest investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are paving the way for safer runways, more efficient travel, and greater mobility for Georgians. I will continue working to help airports across the state, and our more than 100,000 aviation workers, take the industry to new heights.”
“Senator Warnock and I are delivering these upgrades to improve passenger safety and the passenger experience at Georgia airports through our bipartisan infrastructure law,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.
The Georgia aviation hubs receiving funding include Fitzgerald Municipal Airport in Fitzgerald, Jesup-Wayne County Airport in Jesup, Reidsville Airport in Reidsville, Kaolin Field Airport in Sandersville, Bacon County Airport in Alma, Daniel Field Airport in Augusta, Claxton-Evans County Airport in Claxton, Pickens County Airport in Jasper, LaFayette Airport in LaFayette, Harris County Airport in Pine Mountain, Roosevelt Memorial Airport in Woodbury, Barrow County Airport in Winder, and Henry Tift Myers Airport in Tifton.
Last month, the Georgia Senators announced a similar investment of $1.5 million from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to be administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Last year, Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured $13.5 million to update nine airports across Georgia, including Augusta Regional Airport and Columbus Airport. The Senators also previously announced $6 million in grants from the Department of Transportation to improve the travel experience at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
Additionally, in February, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced new federal investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law benefiting the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Augusta Regional Airport. The $9.5 million in total grants from the FAA for these projects will expand passenger holding room and improve security screening efficiency for travelers utilizing these transportation hubs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included roughly $619 million for Georgia’s airports to improve efficiency, upgrade terminals, and more.
