ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Municipal airports across South Georgia could see improvements paused or canceled because of a lack of funding from federal and state officials.

The City of Albany is working to close a financial gap to and their airport relevant to those flying private, corporate, and commercial.

Airports outside of Atlanta are receiving the shorter end of the stick when it comes to federal and state funding. Airport officials say that they hope that with more grant funding and the expansion of a few projects, it will increase more revenue right here in the Good Life City.

Regional Airports need $83.5 million per year for improvement projects, but Albany, Valdosta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Brunswick, and Columbus only receive $16 million from the FAA and $2.8 million from the state.

“If we don’t improve our infrastructure and our facilities, we will continue to lose our business aviation to other states. Some of the other states are receiving anywhere from 30 to 80 million dollars worth of funds, where we’re getting around 19 to support 7 airports outside of Atlanta and that’s a challenge.” Hamilton says.

The airport in Albany has upcoming projects to bring bigger planes, more commercial flights, and Cargo airplanes to the city. But with the lack of funding, the completion of that project is at risk.

“We were fortunate enough to receive some CARES ACT money to improve the facilities of our general aviation terminal and our corporate hangers, but had it not been for that, we would have been challenged to improve those facilities that were dilapidated and really needed to be demolished Hamilton says. “We’re looking at a runway extension which will be a huge project over 100 million dollars and funding has not been identified for that project. So where would we get that money? Well, we need the Federal Administration and the State of Georgia to give us more support.”

While officials say the airport needs some improvements, passengers say they love the convenience of being able to travel right outside their backyard.

“We don’t have to go through the headache of Denver Security so it’s a lot less fuss. For Albany, they only have 3 flights coming in and out, its limitations to what you can do but I rather pay a little extra money for convenience,” says Brian Dillard, a frequent flyer out of the Albany Airport.

But those limitations could be exasperated by the lack of funding... something the Dillard’s hope won’t compromise the flying experience.

“You have what you need. You only have 2 things - airline and baggage, it’s just really simple and easy to use so it’s great,” says Heather Dillard, a first-time flyer out of Albany.

The Albany Aviation Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. where they will discuss in detail the 6 to 8 thousand feet expansion of the runway.

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