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Governor Perdue Launches Airport Initiative in Rural Georgia

July 24, 2025 - VIDALIA, Ga. – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the launch of AirGeorgia (Airport Initiative in Rural Georgia), officially integrating airport infrastructure improvements into OneGeorgia’s overall plan for rural economic development. Governor Perdue requested that the OneGeorgia Authority structure a new financing program aimed at completing critical infrastructure improvements necessary to upgrade and improve many of rural Georgia’s aviation gateways.

“Air transportation is the preferred choice for business and industry decision makers in the 21st century economy. Our economic development efforts will benefit greatly from accessible rural airports throughout Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Rural airports also connect Georgians to metro areas, enhance tourism opportunities, expedite access to emergency healthcare services and support the transportation needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

Governor Perdue and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board approved the regulations for AirGeorgia along with an initial $15 million budget today at a board meeting held at Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia.

“The goal of AirGeorgia is to extend rural airport runways to at least 5,000 feet, placing every Georgian within a 30-minute drive of an airport capable of serving 85 percent of the corporate aircraft flying today,” said Governor Perdue.

AirGeorgia, targeted to the 49 Level I and Level II airports in rural Georgia, will accelerate a number of projects including runway extensions, installation of navigational aids, weather reporting stations and other projects deemed necessary to increase accessibility of Georgia’s rural airports and communities.