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Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority outlines timetable and funding for taxiway, ramp, ALP and new tower
Summary
Airport Manager Mike Mathews told the authority the taxiway refurbishment is nearly complete, ramp repairs will be a 2026 state-funded project (75% state/25% local), an Airport Layout Plan is estimated at $600,000 and the FAA-funded tower is expected to be finished in 2028.
At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority received a multi-part update on capital projects that the board said will shape airport operations through 2028.
Airport Manager Mike Mathews reported that the Taxiway Bravo refurbishment is finished except for a short punch-list of items that remain to be completed. He said any leftover funds from that project would be applied to the next phase of fence replacement. Mathews also briefed the authority that ramp refurbishment is now in the design phase and will be treated as a state project, with the state covering roughly 75% of the cost and the local share roughly 25%; that work is planned for 2026.
Mathews told the board the airport is beginning an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) process estimated at about $600,000, with completion expected in 2027. "An Airport Layout Plan is in the works and will cost around $600,000," he said.
On the new control tower, Jessica Turner, AHN control tower manager, said the Federal Aviation Administration has completed a 45% design review and that funding for the tower is secured. "The funding is 100% and the project will break ground next year and will be finished in 2028," Turner said. Board member Mack Alexander noted he had not seen a beacon on the tower plans and asked that that element be addressed.
The Authority discussed using remaining project funds prudently and sequencing fence, ramp and other repairs to limit operational disruption. The capital project updates will inform staff budgeting and grant applications in the coming year.
