Baldwin County Airport moving forward with expansion plan

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Baldwin County Airport is putting together an Airport Layout Plan,  something it hasn’t done in over 15 years.

“Now is our time on how do we move forward,” Jim Wolfgang, Chair of the Baldwin County Airport Committee said. “Where do we put new hangers, what kind of support does the community want?”

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) funds the majority of the $80,000 plan. The state and local governments pay $4,000 each.

Inspectors met at the airport Monday to look at current upgrades that are near completion including a new ramp and self-service fueling station. Those upgrades were used with funding from last year.

Wolfgang says the ALP is long overdue, especially considering the importance of the airport to the local economy.

“People who come in to relocate a business or establish a business in the community aren’t going to come down [HWY] 441,” Wolfgang said. “The executives are going to use that 5000 feet of runway out there.”

Joseph Robinson, GDOT Aviation Project Manager, was one of the inspectors today. He says although there are minor safety fixes that need to be made, the airport is doing well.

“We’re just there to support them and their goals and try to accomplish. But I think they’re on the right page and moving in the right direction,” Robinson said.

The first step, was moving forward with an ALP.

“For the most part here they’re just ready for expansion more than anything,” Robinson said. And that’s what the ALP will guide them.”