Cairo among 14 smaller airports to get federal boost

Published 3:16 pm Wednesday, December 22, 2021

CAIRO — U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-Albany) applauded the recent announcement of funds to local and regional airports in Middle and Southwest Georgia, including Cairo’s, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Congressman Bishop voted to pass the bill last month and it was subsequently signed into law by President Biden on November 15.

“Today, we are seeing how federal legislation can make a difference in communities across our country and across Middle and Southwest Georgia. Our regional airports and local airfields are gateways to the communities they serve, play a crucial role in their economies, and improve access to vital services,” Bishop said. “Making robust investments in our nation’s infrastructure sets us up for success in the decades to come. We delivered the bipartisan infrastructure bill through Congress last month and today we are seeing the fruits of our labor come home to Georgia.” 

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Altogether, 14 airports throughout Georgia’s Second Congressional District received nearly $4.8 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These included airports in Albany, Americus, Bainbridge, Blakely, Butler, Cairo, Camilla, Columbus, Cordele, Dawson, Donalsonville, Macon (Middle Georgia Regional and Macon Downtown airports), and Montezuma.

“Our airport is a gateway to the City of Cairo and plays an important role in our local economy. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will go a long way to help make improvements that can expand the potential for economic development in our community,” said Chris Addleton, Cairo city manager and airport administrator. “We are certainly grateful to Congressman Bishop for looking after us and ensuring that we get these funds.”

“Local airports are just like the roads and highways that connect communities. Our airport is instrumental in supporting and growing local businesses as well as providing jobs.” said Camilla City Manager Steve Sykes. “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will make a huge difference. Capital improvements — from hangers to terminals — will increase economic opportunities for Camilla and Mitchell County.”

Airports receiving awards will receive a similar tranche of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The amount could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals.

In addition to these guaranteed funds, these airports can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.