ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are looking to use increased federal funds for use in improved infrastructure and maintenance in Georgia’s rural airports.
State Rep. Dominic LaRiccia, R-Douglas, Gov. Brian Kemp’s floor leader, introduced the legislation.
“As governor, I am committed to ensuring greater opportunity for all Georgians – no matter their zip code,” Kemp said in a news release. “This legislation allows Georgia to leverage federal aviation funds to directly benefit rural airports, create jobs, and spur economic growth in surrounding communities.”
The legislation establishes a state excise tax on jet fuel of $0.005 per gallon and is collected by the state for the Department of Transportation to draw down funding – at a 9:1 match by the federal government – for deployment to rural airports statewide. Local aviation authorities can use this deployment of resources for maintenance and infrastructure projects to improve existing facilities and runways.
