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Augusta commissioners pledge up to $200,000 to recruit airline, join opioid settlement and approve two HUD shelter certifications
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Summary
On April 28 the Augusta City Commission voted to authorize the mayor to pledge up to $200,000 to help recruit a new airline for Augusta Regional Airport, approved participation in a remnant opioid settlement, and signed HUD consistency certifications for two emergency‑shelter projects (Salvation Army and Safe Homes of Augusta).
The Augusta City Commission on April 28 approved three time‑sensitive administrative items arising from executive session: a mayoral pledge of up to $200,000 to aid Augusta Regional Airport’s effort to attract a new airline, official participation in a remnant defendant opioid settlement agreement, and HUD consistency certifications for two emergency shelter projects.
Attorney Plunkett told commissioners these items were "time sensitive" and historically handled on an as‑needed basis; commissioners moved and voted to authorize the mayor to execute the documents. The pledge would be a letter of support and a city pledge contingent on recruitment results; the commission approved the authorization on a voice vote after a second and without extended debate.
Deputy Jackson described the HUD certifications for the Salvation Army emergency shelter for families and Safe Homes of Augusta Inc. as confirmations that the proposed services are consistent with the city’s consolidated plan and the Department of Community Affairs/HUD expectations. "These are emergency services ... the department has no reservations," Deputy Jackson said, urging the body to approve the certifications so state grant awards may proceed.
Why it matters: the pledge aims to help the airport attract a carrier that would lease space locally, a development city officials said could boost connectivity and economic activity. The opioid settlement authorization lets Augusta accept terms in a remnant defendant distribution process tied to multi‑jurisdictional litigation and settlement flows. The HUD certifications are administrative prerequisites for state or federal grant funding for the two emergency shelter programs.
Next steps: the mayor is authorized to sign the airport letter of support and the settlement resolution; staff will file the HUD certification forms so the Salvation Army and Safe Homes may pursue DCA/HUD grants. No specific dollar awards from the city were approved beyond the pledge authorization; commissioners did not commit city cash beyond the contingent pledge language described in the motion.
