An access road that is currently under construction at Augusta Regional Airport is expected to create opportunities for big companies and bring hundreds of new jobs to the Garden City.
The stretch of the Augusta Regional Airport access road is less than one mile in length, but officials believe that it will lead to more than 100 acres of land that would provide businesses with new opportunities.
Augusta Regional Airport’s Communications Manager Lauren Smith said, “Of course we’d like to see some aviation-related industries out here. There are multiple industries within that aspect. There are different painting facilities and manufacturers.”
Next door, Standard Arrow operates a plane repair & service facility that employs nearly 200 people. Mr. Smith said the facility was a good example of the kind of businesses they’re hoping to attract once the access road starts operating.
The location is also expected to attract shipping and transport businesses. Mr. Smith noted that the airport has railroad as well as waterway access, which made it a prime location.
As the $8-million SPLOST project is near its completion, the airport officials have started working with the city’s economic development authority to attract business opportunities that would contribute to local economic growth.