Albany-Dougherty Aviation Commission discusses update of airport master plan

ALBANY — The city of Albany’s transportation director was given a list of homework assignments Monday evening by the Albany-Dougherty Aviation Commission.

At its monthly meeting, held at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport’s terminal building, the Aviation Commission asked Transportation Director David Hamilton to look into development of an updated strategic plan, a workable economic development plan that would include utilization of 85 acres of land owned by the airport, and a revenue projection for the airport.

Hamilton told the board a five-phase development plan of airport facilities, including renovation of dilapidated hangars, has a price tag of $22.5 million.

“We need to update our strategic plan,” board member Gloria Gaines said. “One of the elements of such a plan is prioritizing. We obviously don’t have the funding for the entire $22.5 million needed to upgrade our facilities, but we can determine what funding sources are available and use those funds to take on priority projects.”

Hamilton told the board he hopes to work collaboratively with the Albany City Commission, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and an independent consultant to come up with an economic development strategy that would include usage of airport property.

At its August meeting, the Aviation Commission had discussed such options as selling or leasing unused airport property.

Board member Bob Langstaff, an Albany City Commission member who chaired Monday’s meeting in the absence of ailing Chairman Dr. Bill Mayher, told the board it should consider seeking GRAD (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development) certification.

“I like the idea of getting our 85 acres ready for GRAD certification,” Langstaff said. “That’s where a marketing study could guide us as to whether that would be a benefit.”

Langstaff also suggested that the commission “piggyback” use of a consultant who will meet with the City Commission for an economic development retreat soon.

“If (the consultant) is willing and the city gives us the go-ahead, we could probably benefit from time with this consultant,” Langstaff said.

Hamilton noted that the Aviation Commission last updated its master plan in 2011.