Middle Georgia Regional Airport to Receive $4 Million in Grants for Expansion Projects
Middle Georgia Regional Airport is set to receive $4,012,500 in grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) following an allocation by the General Assembly and advocacy by Macon-Bibb County and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.
The funding will support three major projects:
- Construction of T-Hangars: $1,575,000 will be used to build a row of T-hangars for individual aircraft owners, expanding the airport’s general aviation services.
- Construction of a Box Hangar: $1,500,000 will fund the construction of a 10,000 square foot box hangar, which will allow the airport to accommodate multiple aircraft in one building.
- East Drive Extension: $937,500 will be allocated for extending East Drive, which will provide access and utilities to a development area of the airport.
Airport Director Doug Faour stated, “With these three projects, we’ll be able to expand services at the airport, all while directly addressing a national aircraft storage issue. 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 complement state funds allocated in 2023 for a runway extension, another key economic development project for the airport. The funding is part of a new GDOT funding mechanism advocated for by the General Assembly, counties, cities, and airports.
Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller remarked, “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. It’s recognized around the state how important this airport is to the entire Middle Georgia region.”
Senator John F. Kennedy added, “I was proud to work with the GDOT to identify funding for the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. I look forward to continuing to support its development into a world-class facility.”
Tim Golden, State Transportation Board member for Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, highlighted the positive economic impact of the grant, noting it will contribute to Macon-Bibb’s growth as a desirable location for living and business.
Representative Dale Washburn expressed satisfaction with the funding, emphasizing its importance for the airport’s ongoing development and the regional economy.
The new projects follow recent improvements at the airport, including the runway extension and the upcoming Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal, High Note Aviation. The FBO terminal will feature a restaurant, conference room, event lawn, and visitor amenities.
The runway extension project, which began in January 2023, involves constructing a retaining wall near the approach end of Runway 5 and is partially funded by GDOT’s Highway Division.
The airport’s expansion is expected to enhance its capacity for larger planes and increase industry growth and economic development in the region.
