Featuring the Griffin Spalding Airport

In 1993, the airport owners set into motion a program to make Griffin Spalding Airport the Best Little Airport in Georgia. Because the airport is surrounded by residential, businesses and light industrial, a Master Plan which focused first on safety improvements and second on commercial growth was developed. Safety improvements included: 400 additional feet of runway threshold to improve landing and takeoff safety, resurfacing of runway and taxiways, upgraded runway lights, a new set of taxiway lights, REILS, removal of obstructions, addition of new NDB and GPS approaches, and a new AWOS III system, which is currently under construction. These improvements enhance the overall safety of operations at the airport while having a significant impact upon airport usability and accessibility.

The crown jewel of the plan is a 42-acre Airport Business Park, which has been constructed to enhance the development of businesses, jobs, and services at the airport. With funding help from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), the airport has developed taxiways, ramps, streets, and parking to support the business and private hangar construction program. To date, 56 hangars have been built covering over 385,000 square feet of space. The airport now supports 17 businesses, which provide more than 165 jobs in the community. Private investment in the Business Park is estimated in excess of $10 million. Hangars are built by individuals on spaces prepared by the airport. A 30-year ground lease is used to facilitate the development. All leases are transferable with no reversion clause. The lease rate is $.24 per square foot per year.

Completion of the project did not happen over night. Construction was divided into two phases, with each phase having incremental stages. The commercial area was constructed first providing for the creation of new businesses who, through their success, proved the viability of the project and established the credibility needed to retain critical financial support. Pilots are impressed by new runways, ramps, hangars, and neat airplanes. Commissioners are impressed by increase in tax bases, sales tax, new jobs, and economic impact.

The second phase provided for a limited number of additional commercial sites and twenty private hangar sites. The typical private hangar site is 50' x 50'. Through an agreement of the hangar owners, bids were taken for construction of most of the Phase T1 hangars, which provided significant cost-savings, while providing a nice uniform look to the phase. Local builder Steve Whitworth won the bid and constructed some very nice buildings with firewalls, restrooms, stacked doors, and 200-amp electrical service. Utilities are provided by the City of Griffin. Though letters of intent to lease spaces were utilized to justify the initial construction, it was, actually more like The Field of Dreams - "build it, and they will come." After the initial success in Phase I there has been a standing list of individuals desiring to lease space to build their hangars.

Support from local elected officials has been absolutely crucial to the accomplishment of this project. Their continued involvement has been sought and encouraged through involvement in the Airport Advisory Board and approval of each stage of the plan. There is absolutely no way to overstate the role of Jack Joiner, Ed Ratigan, and Carol Comer from the Georgia DOT. They have been totally supportive of our effort and provided no end to helpful advice, direction, and money! Without them, we would probably still be moving dirt by hand. Their genuine enthusiasm and professionalism are truly noteworthy. The FAA District Office also played a significant role in the successful accomplishment of our plan. After all, they are "here to help."

So, what did we do to make Griffin Spalding the Best Little Airport in Georgia? Develop a good plan and work the plan. Keep a business-friendly attitude and support the business owners.

Airport Manager