Economic impact of airport to grow

Posted by

in County Government Archives, Top Stories & Breaking News

Thursday, June 14. 2012

Comments (28)

Activity at the Barrow County Airport is about to pick up. In a presentation Tuesday night to the Barrow County Board of Commissioners, the chairman of the Barrow County Airport Authority cited a newly-released study that documents the significant economic impact of this community’s general aviation airport. And, Scott Miller said, that impact could expand in the coming months and years.

He announced that McConway & Torley LLC, which operates the former Thrall Car Manufacturing Co. plant at 880 Airport Road, is adding up to 50 jobs by the third quarter of this year. The plant currently manufactures coupling devices for trains.

Miller also said that Caterpillar Inc., which recently announced plans to develop a major manufacturing plant about eight miles from the airport in Oconee and Clarke counties, plans to use this county’s airport for corporate flights.

And during Miller’s presentation, a Georgia Army National Guard colonel announced that the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 at the airport is likely to triple in size.

Col. Vernon Atkinson said plans call for a “regional armory facility” at the Barrow County Airport.

While all of the federal funding is not yet in place, a concept plan has been developed, and the first noticeable change will occur in four months.

“We have a five-ship Blackhawk (helicopter) unit,” he said. “We will have 10 ships starting in October.”

To read the full story, read the June 13 print or e-editions of the Barrow Journal.

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 newly-released study on 06/14/12 at 12:22 PM [Reply]

just in time for the airport BOC candidates (Lampp and Brown)... Does this incremental commerce (and maybe government funding) cover the economic chaos induced by the airport BOC at the expense of the county?

"Trust but verify" Ronald Reagan

#1.1 Andrew Sarge on 06/19/12 at 08:49 AM [Reply]

Boy, some of the commenbts here show why Barrow remains far behind the counties around it in terms of job and revenue growth.

The airport is probably not the number one reason why any comapny would decide to locate here. BUT, it is definately a plus to have it, especiually now that it has an ILS system. With all the congestion at Briscoe field and the distance to Epps field in Athens, WDR will continue to see some expansion in operation AND revenues in Corporate Jet, light aviation and aircraft basing at the airport and that will benefit the county in tax revenue which might just help keep property taxes from expanding in the future.

Does the airport need to expand to handle this growth. It's not explosive growth and so the existing runway lenghts can handle it without a problem. The misrepresentation of the airport plans several years ago showed how easy it is to scare uninformed or close minded people but there is currently no need to expand the runway lenghth even though the expansion plans would still not have allowed commercial airline traffic into WDR.

#1.2 Wake Up on 06/19/12 at 11:33 AM [Reply]

The People here are mainly Complainers about the AIRPORT they moved near (only a small few were there prior to), Same as moving near a Factory or Interstate or wherever, YOU get Traffic or Noise, etc when you CHOOSE to move near an existing place. Move near a TruckStop then complain about Truck noise, people will.

THIS IS WHY WE CONTINUALLY FAIL TO PROGRESS AS A COMMUNITY, WE(the above and below self-serving people), WE DRIVE AWAY POTENTIAL GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT in our Community.

[Oh, its ok, keep driving to Clarke and Gwinnett and keep funding their growth and govenments there]

#1.2.1 Steve on 06/19/12 at 01:20 PM [Reply]

You don't have a clue do you? It is not about who lands their planes there ... it all has to do with making money ... and who is the one making the money. Get you head out of the sand and pay attention.

#2 So what happens if they don't get the federal on 06/14/12 at 02:42 PM [Reply]

funding? What happens if the funding doesn't come through? Are we the taxpayers (I.E. cash cows for the Lampp, Brown, Garriso, airport crowd) going to be on the hook?

"While all of the federal funding is not yet in place, a concept plan has been developed, and the first noticeable change will occur in four months."

And do they seriously think the caterpillar execs will fly into Barrow? Don't know what they have been smoking but I've been to both the Barrow Airport and the Athens Airport. Much prefer Athens. Much, Much nice facility

#2.1 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 03:00 PM [Reply]

Wow, doubling the size of the Blackhawks fleet, that's so they can watch us closer while the November elections are stolen by Obama and other new world order types.

#2.1.1 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 04:12 PM [Reply]

The only presidential election that has been "stolen" was in 2000 when the Supreme Court, packed by GOP picks, installed George W. Bush, who promptly repaid his wealthy benefactors by cutting taxes and starting two wars.

#2.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 04:57 PM [Reply]

Sore/Losermen.

#2.1.1.1.1 I love how this went from a topic of the airport on 06/14/12 at 05:54 PM [Reply]

BOC trying to convince the cash cows, or sorry taxpayers of Barrow that expanding the airport is a good thing to Obama. WOW!

I'm beginning to understand why the ruling class remains in power can do as they please.

FOCUS, PEOPLE, FOCUS. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY A FLUFF PR PIECE FOR THE AIRPORT BOC GANG

#3 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 06:28 PM [Reply]

Great news. Finally some positive news for Barrow County. Something is growing and producing much need jobs. It's only common sense for Caterpillar to fly out of our airport. It is much closer and offers the same type landing system that Athens, Gwinnett or Atlanta has.

Trippling the Guard will bring more soldiers to purchase homes, add economic development into a much need financial drought for our tax base increasing revenue to our schools and county. Sales tax proceeds will increase due to he increase in payroll.

Glad to see it, hope it continues to grow.

#3.1 It's 3 miles closer if you take the long way on 06/14/12 at 07:22 PM [Reply]

and they (Athens and Atl) have commercial flights out of their airports. I've been to the Winder Airport; flew out of there once. Once was enough. Now I drive to Athens and met the plane there

#3.2 GDOT Study just in time for the Airport BOC on 06/14/12 at 07:52 PM [Reply]

Given, this is a GDOT study from the same people that said you must SPLOST or else for projects that will only have a marginal effect if any. Why do you think the numbers are not inflated to give a rosy picture of what "might" happen or "might" get funding when defense budgets are under the knife.

Also does, Barrow have rental cars?

Might happen... Might get funded... From a GDOT report, talk to me after they start signing the back of checks vs the front.

#4 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 07:59 PM [Reply]

So Yearwood is expanding the airport. WOW what a turn of events. These extremely loud corporate jets landing over all the homes the area. What a change 4 years make!!!!!!!!!!!

#5 Intheno on 06/14/12 at 08:47 PM [Reply]

True, Atlanta airport went through many years of strife with the residential owners due to the flight noise. In due time, the homes were bought out. Today, acres of residential areas are bare. But, now the Atlanta airport is the engine that drives the state. Barrow has an economic opportunity to embrace the idea of a regional airport. With a lot of planning and thought,it would mean a lot to the economic vitality of the county. Change comes hard but without change there is stagnation. Think of someone other than yourself. Think of your future citizens that need a job.

#5.1 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 09:17 PM [Reply]

No to an airport expansion,vote against any candidate who is for it or not very strong against it.an airport expansion would destroy whatever quality of life might be left here in barrow.Vote them out.

#5.2 yeah on 06/15/12 at 03:41 AM [Reply]

the airport subsidized and corperate gifts from the govt to companies there, by the way dont walk in the area around atlanta airport it is bad area, guess thats the tradeoff, and I doubt when one looks at the cost to benifit the airport supposedly bring it balances out except to the companies that have sweet deals there. surprising how areas that do not have airports do well??? cant understand that since we have been sold an airport in every town bring health and wealth... yet where there arent airports the folks seem just has happy maybe even more so......

#6 David Pearson on 06/14/12 at 09:24 PM [Reply]

Outstanding. These jobs, (Army, Thrall Car) will bring much needed revenues to our struggling government and educational budgets. The FAA/GDOT numbers are strong. I did not realize the airport was linked to so many jobs and many millions of dollars. Good news..and hope for more good news in the future.

#7 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

Given a choice; I would much prefer the corporate jets coming in afew times a week to the fleet of Blackhawk choppers zipping in and out of the airport on their very noisy and obnoxious schedules. Last Thursday for a lengthy period of time choppers were coming in and out; circling and landing/taking off from there. It was horrendous! Impossible to talk with my new neighbor over the noise.

But....if they want to bring a Humvee filled with cash to my house, they can fly all day and night while I find a peaceful parcel of land far, far away from the noise and clang of the Barrow county airport!

#7.1 Anonymous on 06/14/12 at 10:31 PM [Reply]

When they steal your land using eminent domain, they will lowball you, knowing that you lack the state's resources to fight it out in court. Plus the fact that an imbecile jury will side with the state when doling out "taxpayer money." The upshot is you will be evicted from your property at the point of a gun with, possibly, a few pennies in your pocket.

#7.1.1 Cash Cows (sorry Tax Payers) on 06/15/12 at 06:27 AM [Reply]

The courts have said Private citizens don't own land...

It won't be long before they go after anything else the government pleases...

If an individual (not connected) wants your land they have to pay the price "You" set.

When the government wants your land, they set the price. They expect you to take their pennies on the dollar deal and be grateful they gave you anything at all.

Fight it, they will use your money (taxes) to ruin your future. After all, even if they (government) run out, they can always get more from your neighbor.

#7.1.1.1 Anonymous on 06/15/12 at 11:59 AM [Reply]

I am happy to have the private jets occasionally come in. They disrupt via noise very little. But the choppers are an absolute nuisance! At the very least, the airport authority should restrict their flight paths or hours of operation so that area residents can at least work around theif flight times.

In the current economy, I would be better off walking away from the property if things got too bad.

#8 Come On... on 06/15/12 at 09:31 AM [Reply]

THIS IS GOOD NEWS, Remember It is an AIRPORT and has been there for decades. We need an "Ace in the Hole" here in Winder/Barrow County.

If you moved there in the last 15 years, That was your choice, If you were there for Decades, you should be properly compensated for any land to be used around the airport, but it is an AIRPORT.

#8.1 Anonymous on 06/15/12 at 10:09 AM [Reply]

When the government comes to steal your property, you just might feel differently. That is, if you own any.

#8.2 planes and choppers make noise...duh on 06/15/12 at 12:10 PM [Reply]

agree completely. i never understood why people complain about airport noise when it was their choice to live near it.

#9 Anonymous on 06/15/12 at 11:33 AM [Reply]

If the present BOC and the incoming BOC wants to keep their jobs ... don't let the airport expand. BOC you need to learn the lesson the past BOC chairman learned.

#9.1 Cash Cows (sorry Tax Payers) on 06/15/12 at 01:21 PM [Reply]

The same elected arrogance (lampp and Brown) that sank the county's future into the airport is coming back around again for its second and third time at the government teat.

Oh, and that past BOC Chairman(Garrison), is standing in the shadows... Ever see a Brown sign WITHOUT a Garrison property for sale behind it?

Given the 10% voter apathy, The Airport BOC will be back behind the wheel with a full tank in no time already to fund their little deals and empty your wallets.

#10 Steve on 06/17/12 at 10:06 AM [Reply]

I don’t know about everybody that posts here but I am smarter than believing that the airport brings in new industry to the area. I throw a flag and call BS on this story. There is NO industry that will come here or has come here that the most important factor is the airport. They look for tax breaks, land costs, worker salaries, utilities and location to transportation to ship their product NOT the airport. The airport might be 15th on the list but does not make a difference whether to locate here or not.

Mr. Brown and Mr. Lampp I do have some money left that the government has not taken from me and I will spend every dime of it to keep you from getting elected. I and five other people that was affiliated with the old airport crowd and we WILL be getting our forces together again.

Mr. Lampp and Mr. Brown may the best man or the best group win.

#10.1 Anonymous on 06/17/12 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

So, there you have it...

It's the GOB Airport Party vs the GOP Party...

And you thought Barrow was a one horse town.

We do have a choice, but one has already cost the county more then it is worth...

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment: E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.
To leave a comment you must approve it via e-mail, which will be sent to your address after submission.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
Phone*

What is one plus two?
: Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry

Economic impact of airport to grow

Barrow Journal

Economic impact of airport to grow

Recent Stories

Recent Comments

This Week's Poll

Sister Sites

Archives

Community

Keyword Tags