MOULTRIE, Ga. —Mike Boyd, a former state trooper and a helicopter pilot, has been named Moultrie Airport Authority chairman. Boyd took over this post at the authority’s Tuesday meeting, succeeding long-time chairman Tony Brock.

“I think everyone really needs to thank Tony for this airport..I’ve seen growth and improvements, he’s a neighbor to the airport, and he’s done a great job,” Boyd said.

Boyd said following in behind Brock makes this mission challenging, “ but with this group… well we’ve got a good group.”

Boyd has been acting as chairman for the board since Jan. 1. but will now serve officially as Brock steps down.

“You guys have given me good support, you’ve been very helpful and you’ve given me the confidence to do what I feel like has been necessary with your approval. It’s been a good run for me, and I’ve enjoyed it. And I appreciate it. I think we have a lot going on now, and we’re moving into a lot of projects that are going to improve the airport,” Brock said. “I think that Mike is someone who can take it to the next level.”

Brock served as chairman for 21 years and will stay on as treasurer for another year.

Repairs are under way as well as upcoming marketing projects such as a new sign in the parking lot of the airport, one in front of the FBO and  a potential one on U.S. Highway 319, should it be approved, according to Brock

Brock said repairs to the T-hangars will include putting rollers on the doors; half of them are done.

A new corporate hangar is still in the works but no progress has been made on it. Renovations to the present Riverside hangar have cost $30,000. Two prospects are looking at using the hangar and renovations will continue once a decision has been made.

The 2019 Capital Improvement Plan is in progress with the application for funds completed in November of last year.

One of the biggest expansions for the airport authority is the runway extension. The runway extension’s engineering, complete with paving plans, is finalized and paid in full, said Boyd.

The bid opening for the LED lights for the taxiway has been complicated, said Boyd. Boyd said the first bid was too high because of the price of the conduits. The bid without these conduits was more affordable.

The Airport Authority has agreed to go without the conduits since it seemed to be an unnecessary expense, according to the contractor that is heading the project. The LED lights will save energy overall.

With hopes for the funding promised by Gov. Nathan Deal earlier this year, the Airport Authority hopes to continue with the renovations at the airport.  

Spence Field is a hot topic with rumors of the Airport Authority taking it over. Boyd said that there has been talk through the city that the Airport Authority wants to put the runway at Spence Field under its care.

“We desperately need the help of the Airport Authority in an advisory role but the city does not want to lose control over the property,” said Moultrie City Manager Pete Dillard.

“The Airport Authority will never stand in the way of economic development,” said Boyd.