AirGeorgia Announced As Part of Technology Infrastructure Growth

By Mark Hoerrner

Rural Georgia just earned its wings.

During a recognition ceremony for state grant winners in Vidalia, Ga., Gov. Sonny Perdue announced the launch of AirGeorgia (Airport Initiative in Rural Georgia), officially integrating airport infrastructure improvements into OneGeorgia’s overall plan for rural economic development.

The OneGeorgia Authority was tasked by the Governor with structuring a new financing program aimed at completing critical infrastructure improvements necessary to upgrade and improve many of rural Georgia’s aviation gateways.

"Air transportation is the preferred choice for business and industry decision makers in the 21st century economy. Our economic development efforts will benefit greatly from accessible rural airports throughout Georgia," Perdue said during the event. "Rural airports also connect Georgians to metro areas, enhance tourism opportunities, expedite access to emergency healthcare services and support the transportation needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners."

The Governor’s office and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board approved the regulations for AirGeorgia along with an initial $15 million budget.

"The goal of AirGeorgia is to extend rural airport runways to at least 5,000 feet, placing every Georgian within a 30-minute drive of an airport capable of serving 85 percent of the corporate aircraft flying today," Perdue said
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The goal of AirGeorgia, targeted to the 49 Level I and Level II airports in rural Georgia, is to accelerate a number of technological or scientific projects including runway extensions, installation of navigational aids, weather reporting stations and other projects deemed necessary to increase accessibility of Georgia’s rural airports and communities.

"We are preparing rural Georgia to compete in the global 21st century economy with a comprehensive and integrated strategy and the financial resources necessary to stimulate private investment and economic growth. Our financial investments over the last six years of more than $150 million have supported both local and regional projects aimed at making rural Georgia a competitor in the global marketplace," Perdue said.

The OneGeorgia Authority was created utilizing one-third of the state’s tobacco settlement to assist the state’s most economically challenged areas in developing greater technological solutions to economic challenges. The authority is expected to receive about $1.6 billion over the 25-year term of the settlement.

Since the authority was created in October 2000, more than $150 million has been awarded in grants and loans by the OneGeorgia Authority.