Burke County Accepts GDOT Funding Contract for New Airport Terminal; Additional State Funds Could Increase Project and Local Match

Burke County accepted a draft contract from the Georgia Department of Transportation to fund a new airport terminal and to reserve additional state funds for future airport projects. The contract on the agenda carried a state and federal share of about $2,167,660 toward a total project cost the county estimated at $2,845,000, leaving a local share of roughly $678,000.

County staff explained GDOT issued a limited participation contract that also earmarks an additional balance (about $933,000) the county could leverage for runway rehabilitation, apron work or fencing over the next two years. GDOT offered a further supplemental allocation of between $400,000 and $700,000 in FY‑24 funds to be tacked onto the contract; if accepted, those additional funds would require a 25% local match (the county’s share on the $400,000 would be approximately $133,000; on $700,000 it would be approximately $233,000). County staff said GDOT needs to obligate the funds before the state’s fiscal deadlines and that this created a compressed decision timeline.

Commissioners also approved a task order with Maies Hauer for terminal construction administration. Staff described that task order as a not‑to‑exceed figure (roughly $210,000 in the agenda packet) that could be negotiated lower pending an independent fee estimate review.

Commissioner Nicks moved to accept the GDOT contract and related documents up to the high end being discussed; Commissioner Kelly seconded the motion. The motion carried. County staff said they will perform any necessary budget amendments once GDOT finalizes the dollar amounts and will monitor the two‑year obligation window for additional funds.