Firms vie for airport plan

Aviation commissioners will review proposals, then request opinions from FAA, the public

Web posted April 21, 2000

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By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

A group of Augusta Aviation Commission members took the first steps Thursday toward mapping out the future of Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field.

The master plan will be the airport's first since 1987.

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In coming weeks, the subcommittee of commission members Cedric Johnson, Marcie Wilhelmi, Ernie Smith, Jim Wilson, Ed McIntyre and Whitney O'Keefe will sort through proposals from 13 firms vying for the project.

The best plan -- not the most inexpensive one -- will be chosen, board members said.

Airport officials say the master plan, when completed, will give them the tools they need to expand the airport, build a second runway and even help lure a second or third airline to the area.

It will help them figure out the best parts of the airfield for expansion and industrial growth, commission members said.

Commission Chairman Ed Skinner said he is pleased the master plan is now in the works and added that it should have been done sooner.

Changes in airport management, city government and the board prevented development of a master plan sooner, he said.

Aside from the master plan, commission members hope to hire an airport engineer, a consultant and an architect in coming months to help improve quality, service and the grounds of the airport.

Executives from other airports will be asked for advice. Community groups such as Augusta Tomorrow and the Air Service Task Force will be asked for input. Anyone who wants to help improve the airport will be encouraged to do so, members said.

``The more experience that has gone through this process that we can bring in to help us, the better off we'll be,'' Mr. Johnson said.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be kept informed of the master plan and will be asked for advice, Ms. Wilhelmi said.

``We will tell the FAA, `Hey, let's work as a team. You hold our hand and we'll tell you what we want. You tell us what you want,''' she said.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.