(Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority, whose members are Gene Dennis, Jim Green, Charles Williams, Jerry Bland and John Clements.)
Gene Dennis, chairman of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority (HGRAA) expresses his appreciation for Chuck Eckles, editor of The Dodge County News for coverage of the airport authority’s report to the city council this past Monday night. The authority has requested an increase in financial support from the city and county in their effort to continue the progress being made at the airport.
“Over the past thirteen years more than thirty million federal, state and local dollars have been invested in the complex,” Dennis stated. “These investments include property purchases, airport redesign and development and the construction of a world class aviation-technology center. Of the funds invested, less than ten percent, or three million dollars, has come from local funding.”
The Middle Georgia College Aviation Technology Center is now a part of the University System of Georgia with enrollment of more than 500 students, 98 percent of whom are employed upon or before graduation from the college. Many of these graduates support Warner Robins Air Force Base, Boeing, Gulfstream, Lockheed and other aviation related industries. Pilots from the school fly for various commercial and private corporations around the world.
“We appreciate the support and considerations our city and county leaders have afforded the airport over the years,” Dennis commented, “and we ask for continuing financial support. Our members have worked diligently with federal, state and local officials to develop this airport facility and this school and we have enjoyed tremendous success for Eastman and Dodge County. In fact, there are currently more than 78 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding three million dollars now in operation at our airport, NOT COUNTING THOSE EMPLOYEED BY THE COLLEGE, which accounts for more than $5,000,000 each year. That’s more than $8,000,000 RETURN ANNUALLY for a ONE TIME local investment of $3,000,000…that’s a solid return on local funds invested. These jobs are the direct result of the work done on the facilities and have located in our area as a direct result of Middle Georgia College’s presence here. All of the members of this airport authority take great pride in participating in the development of this tremendous economic resource for the people of Eastman and Dodge County. Our airport is beginning its new role as the most powerful economic engine for this region.”
“The best news is this is just the beginning,” James H. Green, vice chair of HGRAA commented. “Middle Georgia College officials are presently working with companies who have expressed interest in locating their manufacturing facilities on our airport. The future looks bright indeed!”
Our request for continued funding is based on the idea of maintaining a state of the art facility for the years ahead. It’s important and we appreciate our community leadership for the outstanding job done thus far and wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to our community, our leaders and our local paper for their continued support.”
