Columbia County officials convened for a pivotal meeting to kick off the master planning process for the county airport, emphasizing its significance as a community asset. The meeting, attended by various supervisors and consultants, aimed to outline the vision for the airport's development over the next 20 years, with a particular focus on the first five years.

Ray, a key organizer, highlighted the importance of updating the airport's master plan, which has not been revised for some time. The project has received funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), underscoring the federal support for local infrastructure improvements. The meeting included introductions from various stakeholders, including county supervisors and engineering consultants, who will collaborate on the project.

Consultant Pasaro elaborated on the master plan's objectives, which include assessing the current state of the airport and identifying future development needs. The plan will not only depict the airport's layout but also address changes in airport activity and community needs. A significant aspect of the project is the commitment to meet Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements, aiming for 20% participation from eligible businesses.

The meeting also featured discussions on conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to gather input from attendees, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the planning process. As the project progresses, stakeholders will review existing resources and set clear goals to guide the airport's future development.