$18 million in economic relief coming to Albany

ALBANY, Ga. – Airlines are just another industry taking a hit due to the novel coronavirus. But some help is on it’s way in the form of relief funds to airports across America.

The CARES Act, includes 10 billion dollars to be awarded as economic relief to eligible U.S. airports affected by Coronavirus. This small airport here in Albany is getting an 18 million dollar piece of that massive pie.

Transportation Director David Hamilton says, “Considering the crisis that is going on now across the United States there’s  a lot of pressure on airports being that people are not flying so revenues are down and operations costs stays consistent so this funding will definitely be a great relief for a lot of airports across the United States.”

Airports like the Southwest Georgia regional airport.

The decline in foot traffic has led to major revenue loss for the airport. 

Flights have been cut to one a day. 

And even then, the airplane’s cabin is nearly empty.

“We’re averaging to 9 to maybe 10 passengers per flight. So it’s way down, over 85% probably 90%”

And just this past February the airport was celebrating the completion of a $1.6 million dollar passenger bridge. Then, city officials predicted 100,000 people would pass through the facility this year alone. 

But now, in the midst of a pandemic, empty parking lots, an empty baggage claim and unused airplanes paint a different picture for the future of the airport. 

But Hamilton says receiving the relief funds is an opportunity, a glimmer of hope.

“This will be a great opportunity for not only the city of Albany but Southwest Georgia to receive this kind of money is remarkable and hopefully we can put it to great use.”

The airport is expected to see the federal funds by the end of the month. Hamilton says the funding will be used to maintain overhead costs, and support capital projects.