A million dollar federal grant

will help assure that Falcon Field will have plenty of room to grow in

the future.

The grant, announced by U.S.

Rep. Mac Collins, will allow the Peachtree City Airport Authority to purchase

the remaining land in the airport's business park, said Airport Manager

Jim Savage.

There are roughly 24.1 acres

left in the business park, which is adjacent to Falcon Field, Savage said.

All that property is owned by Peachtree City Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary

of Pathway Communities.

Property in the area has become

more popular in recent months, and authority members were concerned that

it could all be grabbed up before they could purchase adjacent land for

future expansion.

The land will be used for future

hangar space, which provides extra income for the airport as it leases

the property.

"That way, we can get

more money and become self-sustaining," Savage said, noting that

the authority's master plan included acquiring the property for future

growth.

Currently, 150 aircraft are

based at Falcon Field, with that number expected to double in the next

20 years. The authority is also trying to attract corporate jets to operate

there, which also helps the airport's bottom line because it makes more

of a profit with jet fuel sales than it does on regular aviation fuel.

Before the $1.05 million grant

can be spent, the property must be surveyed and appraised, Savage noted.

Still, officials hope to begin working on the project as soon as possible.

Savage said he would be contacting

Pathway officials to work with them to acquire the property.

"Obviously we're thrilled,"

Savage said.

Collins said the funds will

benefit the economy of the Third Congressional District, which he represents.

"As the area surrounding

the nation's busiest airport continues to grow, I am pleased that the

FAA recognizes the need for resources for our regional airports and general

aviation," Collins said.

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