COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Georgia State Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced Tuesday that over $38 million in federal funds will go toward modernizing airports across the Peach State, including one in our area.

Columbus Airport will receive $880,191 to purchase an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle to support operations and increase safety, according to a press release.

“Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the United States. That’s why since taking office in the Senate, I have fought tirelessly to increase federal support for our airports, including in the recently passed FAA reauthorization bill, which I was proud to support,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I will continue to work to take Georgia’s aviation economy to new heights.”

The grants were awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grants program and were made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure bill supported by both senators.

“Georgia’s airports are a critical driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. I, along with Senator Reverend Warnock, am pleased to announce these new investments in Georgia’s airports as part of our bipartisan infrastructure bill, which will continue to enable long-overdue improvements to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Senator Ossoff.

In addition to Columbus Airport, the combined grants will also benefit 15 other airports in Georgia. These upgrades include the construction of hangars, improvements to a control tower, improvements to terminal and runway infrastructure, and various safety improvements.

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