James May June 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 65
avannah/Hilton Head
International Airport (SAV)
is propelling the region to
new heights of economic
prosperity, fueling growth and innovation. Like a well-oiled machine, the
airport maintains a steady hum of
activity and bustling commerce.
SAV’s influence transcends travel,
encompassing a dynamic ecosystem
of job creation, business development,
and commerce. The Georgia Department of Transportation found that the
airport’s economic impact exceeds $4.2
billion annually, between airport management initiatives, business tenant
investments, and both general and
commercial aviation use expenditures.
Beyond its direct impact, SAV
supports the aviation needs of various
sectors of the region, ranging from
healthcare and emergency services to
the agricultural and forestry industries.
R E A DY FO R TA KEO F F
With 105 public-use airports currently operating in Georgia, the cumulative impact on job creation, tourism,
and commerce is profound. Together,
these facilities generate over 450,000
jobs and stimulate $73.6 billion in annual economic activity. Their contribution
extends far beyond their tarmacs and
terminals, connecting communities,
businesses, and travelers alike— enriching the quality of life for Georgia residents, fostering economic opportunities
for businesses, and attracting visitors
from around the globe.
Despite this economic significance,
Georgia’s airports face funding challenges that impede their growth and
development initiatives. While airports
are mandated to be financially self-sufficient, capital needs surpass internal
revenue generation and federal program resources.
Federal airport approval programs,
passenger facility charges and bipartisan infrastructure legislation provide
crucial support, but are insufficient to
meet all of the growing needs of airports in the state. Collaborative efforts
with Georgia’s legislature are essential
to develop reliable funding programs
that adequately address these needs.
Furthermore, there is a need to
shift the mindset surrounding airport
funding from incremental allocations
to substantial, programmed investments akin to those of state highway
programs. Just as highways are vital
arteries for the movement of goods
and people, airports play an equally
critical role in regional economic development, facilitating logistics, transportation networks, and global connectivity. It’s imperative to recognize airport
infrastructure as an essential component of the state’s economic vitality,
warranting significant investment and
long-term planning commitments.
MOR E ON THE HOR IZON
In addition to funding, there are
critical issues that demand attention
to sustain the growth and operational
efficiency of Georgia’s airports.
One pressing concern is the shortage of affordable hangar inventory
across the state, which poses a significant challenge to the aviation industry.
With increasing demand for aircraft
storage facilities, collaborative initiatives between airports and the state
legislature are imperative to develop
solutions and programs facilitating
hangar site development. By investing
in the expansion and modernization of
hangar facilities, we will not only meet
current demand, but also accommodate future growth in both general and
business aviation activities.
Strategic legislation is also essential to address land use and height
development management around
airports. As urbanization encroaches
upon airport perimeters, it becomes
important to establish compatible
land use practices and mitigate height
impacts to safeguard the operational integrity of our airports. Through
coordinated efforts between airports,
our state legislature, local governments, and regulatory agencies, we
can ensure responsible development
that balances economic growth with
aviation safety and efficiency.
BLUE SK IES AH EAD
As we navigate the complexities
of aviation infrastructure in Georgia, it
is imperative to prioritize sustainable
funding mechanisms, strategic legislation, and collaborative initiatives to
ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our airports. The imminent
enhancements to the I-95 interchange
at Savannah/Hilton Head International
Airport and Pooler Parkway exemplify
our commitment to addressing critical
infrastructure needs.
The economic impact of SAV
serves as a testament to the pivotal
role of airports in driving regional
growth and prosperity. Through
concerted efforts and strategic investments, Georgia’s airports will continue
to serve as engines of economic vitality, meeting the future needs of our
state and its citizens.
Greg Kelly is the executive director of the Savannah/
Hilton Head International Airport.
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