Leaving on a Jet Plane
Will be much easier after the $17 Million Runway Extension at Athens-Ben Epps Airport
W
hen a business is scouting for its new
location, one large consideration is the
accessibility of the community to their
business. Transportation systems (including
air, rail, highways, and waterways) connect communities,
businesses, people, and provide critical support functions.
Airports are essential to its community's transportation and
economic infrastructure, supporting its diversified industries
including technology, manufacturing, distribution, tourism, and
agriculture. These businesses utilize airports to transport
employees, customers, vendors and goods, which spur economic
development. Athens-Ben Epps Airport connects Athens’s
citizens and businesses to the rest of our state, our nation, and
our global economy.
Athens-Ben Epps Airport is the only commercially serviced
airport in northeast Georgia. Athens Airport is currently the
busiest small commercial airport in the state of Georgia with 105
flights per day. The next busiest comparable airport is Augusta,
Georgia with 69 flights per day. Our airport also supports aerial
inspections, air cargo, aerial agricultural spraying, flight training,
military exercises, search and rescue, aerial photography and
surveys, real estate tours, and aerial banner towing.
Most Athenians are unaware of the economic impact that
Athens-Ben Epps Airport has on our community. Airport
Manager, Tim Beggerly, says that on any given day we have
corporate planes sitting on the ramp. Athens-Ben Epps Field
supports many local businesses including Albuquerque Redi-Mix,
Baldor Electric, and Cessna Aircraft Company. Bank of America
and Coca-Cola Enterprises regularly use the airport to conduct
business operations in the area. It plays a vital role in supporting
the region with 172 jobs with an annual payroll of $5,662,100,
and $20,646,900 in eco nomic output for the local and regional
economies.
weight simply because the runway is not long enough to safely
takeoff at their maximum weight. A $17 million runway
expansion to add 600 feet to the runway is in progress at AthensBen Epps Airport and will result in making it safer for planes
takeoff and land while allowing them to carry heavier load. “In
case a pilot has issues at takeoff or landing, they have additional
runway to keep it on the ground,” Beggerly said.
It will also enhance community and economic development
potential by meeting the travel needs of Corporations,
Universities, and visitors to our community. Beggerly added,
“When companies are looking at cities for where they want to
build, they are looking at their airport with everything else. All
the pieces of the puzzle may be in place but if they can’t get their
airplanes in and out of the airport it may be a deciding factor
that they go somewhere else. They spend millions and millions
of dollars on these aircrafts because time is money to companies
and if they can’t get in and out quickly they might go somewhere
else.”
Construction jobs are increased as well as the purchase of goods
and services as Athens business and leisure visitors, who
regularly arrive on commercial airlines and general aviation
aircraft, spend money for lodging, food, other transportation,
shopping, recreation, and entertainment. The airport is also
preparing to support cargo planes by training staff and
purchasing additional equipment as they currently do not handle
much cargo but anticipate that it will increase due to the
expansion.
The project is composed of 3 phases with Phase 1 being the
grading and drainage which consists of installing 1.7 million cubic
The University of Georgia is a frequent user of our airport for
athletic teams and guest speakers and entertainers for university
events. Additionally, UGA alumni account for a significant
amount of activity at our airport during home football and
basketball seasons. The presence of the University of Georgia,
together with the expanding corporate base in Clarke County
and the surrounding area, has resulted in demand for additional
runway beyond the current 5,522 feet.
Due to the current length of our runway, many corporate or
charter aircraft are departing under their maximum gross takeoff
Football game weekends alone in 2013 accounted for 3,362 flights.
8 8
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233