SWGA Regional Airport seeks community input for improvements & expansion in master plan

ALBANY, Ga. – The city of Albany is asking for community input as they begin a long term plan regarding improvements and expansion to Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

Airport Transportation Director, David Hamilton says that the upcoming master plan is the collaborative effort of not just the city of Albany and Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, but more than 60 additional partners as well.

“We have Delta, UPS, Civil Air Patrol, Thrush Aircraft. We have the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). All those are entities who will be a part of this master plan update,” said David Hamilton, Transportation Director, Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

And, off the bat, one of the biggest areas they want to address in the master plan is improvements to the physical properties…

But, also improvements to the runways as well.

“Some of the improvements we’re looking at are facility improvements. As you can see behind me here, we’ve got the new general aviation terminal. We’ve got new corporate hangars. We’re looking at new facilities such as new t-hangars. Our facilities also include our runway, looking at a potential runway expansion…” said Hamilton.

As well, the topic of expanding Southwest Georgia Regional Airport will also be on the table for the master plan.

Which is why they want to hear from all members of the public before they begin.

“We want to make sure we get input on developing a plan that will really give it an overview of the community’s goals and values. In particular we want to look at expanding the airport to meet the needs of our general aviation,” said Hamilton.

And, through early 2025, they’re going to be conducting a study period.

“What that will do is it will allow for a lot of forecasting; a look at aviation activities that need to be approved by the FAA,” said Hamilton.

As the city and more than 60 partners begin this year’s long plan, they want to hear from everyone whether they’re commercial passengers or ship for business about the future of the regional hub.

To give your input on the master plan, you can find the link for the survey here: Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Passenger Survey (tfaforms.net)

Brian Roche reporting.

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