U.S. Senators announce funding for airport projects
Last week, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced a $1.5 million federal investment in five airports in rural communities across Georgia, including Cook County.
The grant was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), 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 modernize these airports by rehabilitating existing runways, constructing a new hangar and additional taxi lanes, and adding fencing to enhance airfield safety.
“Every day, Georgia’s airports take people to new heights, and this latest million-dollar grant will do the same for our state’s rural aviation infrastructure and economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation continue to result in meaningful investments for every corner of Georgia.”
“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 aviation hubs receiving funding include Cook County Airport in Adel, Hazlehurst Airport in Hazlehurst, Jenkins County Airport in Millen, Ware County Airport in Waycross, and Elbert County Airport in Elberton.
“This award is the latest in a series of investments the Senators have fought to direct to Georgia’s airports,” according to a release from the Senators.
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, last month, 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.
