Aviation commission looks to GAIN

Web posted Saturday, November 11, 2000

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By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

Part of the reason Augusta Regional Airport has lost out on federal funding programs or economic development opportunities is that it never had a voice working for it in the halls of the nation's Capitol or in corporate board rooms.

OTHER STORIES: • Aviation groups come to airport's aid • Aviation commission looks to GAIN • New airport promotions prepare for takeoff • Airport hopes to see funds • Experts push master plan for airport • Airport ignores funding • Board moves to study expansion • Inspectors: Airport outdated • Commission rethinks airport plan • Commission OKs design of new terminal • Airport gets fund priority • City sets sights on airport facilities • City looks to land major airlines • Local leaders discuss airline service goals • Delta jets to depart from area • Airport panel OKs new terminal plan • Growth alarms officials • Augusta's size hurts airport expansion plan • Firms vie for airport plan • More airlines doubtful • Problems hurt Bush Field • Airport business picks up • Augusta airport plans disappointed by Delta

Hoping to provide the voice Augusta Aviation Commission members say what they need is the Global Aviation Improvement Network (GAIN).

GAIN's mission is to unite leaders and leading organizations from across the country to serve as the voice for America's emerging cities and small communities. The coalition attempts to bring elected officials, business and civic leaders, and others together to promote economic development in emerging cities like Augusta.

The organization hopes to increase air service to underserved markets, but by doing so, officials say, they will also help create jobs and increase economic development in these growing cities.

``I think that we can be helpful in bringing attention to the problems that Augusta is facing with regards to air service,'' Marcus Veazey, a GAIN spokesman, stated in a recent letter to aviation officials.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, one of the loudest voices of GAIN, says the coalition's first priority is to sound the call to connect small cities to the aviation networks that can provide them with access to the entire world.

Augusta Aviation Commission member Marcie Wilhelmi said the idea of hiring a lobbyist group like GAIN is worth careful consideration.

``It's the kind of thing we really need to look at,'' she said Thursday afternoon at a reception for Comair, a Delta Air Lines subsidiary that will soon provide nonstop daily service to Cincinnati.

David Dorminey, marketing director for Augusta Regional Airport, said he still needs to review the details and figure out how much the company charges for its services and what the benefits of such service would be.

``It sounds like something we ought to look into,'' he said.

The Augusta Aviation Commission voted Thursday to accept information and review it before its next meeting.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.

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