Falcon Field will have even more room to grow in the future thanks to a

last-minute $1.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The grant will be used to purchase 60 acres bordering the airport from Peachtree

City Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Pathway Communities. The grant couldn't

have come at a better time, as the authority's option to purchase that

land was due to expire Oct. 22, noted Authority Chairwoman Cathy Nelmes.

"This is really going to help up out with our long-term growth," Nelmes

said, noting that the money comes from fees the government collects from

the sales of aviation gas and airline tickets, not tax dollars.

"All of the aviation community pays into it," Nelmes said.

The authority applied for the grant last month, but the quick turnaround

time is due to the money being "left over" at the end of the year,

Nelmes said.

"They're looking for good projects to use the money on," Nelmes

said.

The 60 acre site is actually in two parcels located southwest of the airport

connected by a small sliver of land. The property will be accessed via Aviation

Way, the former gravel road running south of the airport which was paved

to create access for more hangar space.

The airport has attracted a significant presence in the past two years,

including Aircraft Spruce, a nationwide company that sales aircraft parts

and accessories. Recognizing the trend, the FAA gave the authority a $1.05

million grant in 2002 to purchase 24 acres at its southeast border.

At a special called meeting Wednesday to authorize the signing of documents

for the grant, Nelmes thanked authority member Jerry Cobb for focusing the

authority's attention on the grant. She said the "team effort" was

also largely due to Airport Manager John Crosby.

Cobb agreed.

"I'm gonna rename John 'Bulldog' because of his tenacity

in keeping this thing going," Cobb said.

The grant was announced late Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Mac Collins along with

a grant for the Columbus airport to add rescue and firefighting vehicles

along with enhancements to airport security. Collins noted that Falcon Field

hosts the annual Great Georgia Airshow, which will be Oct. 9-10 this year.

"Air travel is a vital economic force, providing interstate commerce

and thousands of jobs in our region and across the nation," Collins

said. "I am pleased to work with Columbus Metropolitan Airport and Falcon

Field to keep our planes flying and keep passengers safe."