Business & Tech

Study Shows Airport Generates $18M Economic Output for Local, Regional Economies

Economic output measures the value of goods and services related to the airport.

A Georgia Department of Transportation study indicates the  produces an $18.5 million economic output for local and regional economies. 

The study assesses the economic impact of the state's 104 public airport, which, according to data, generate approximately $137 million in aviation‐related tax. 

The Barrow County Airport provides 357 jobs with an annual payroll of $7,582,300. In this GDOT study, jobs measures the number of full-time equivalent jobs where a part-time employee counts as half a full-time employee.

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“Investing in Georgia’s airports has a high rate of return,” GDOT Commissioner Keith Golden said in a news release. “We striveto maximize every dollar we receive in this area to constantly improve our aviation facilities. This studyshows the true economic impact our airports provide for citizens.”

The Barrow County Airport has two runways. The primary runway, Runway 13/31, is 5,500 feet long with a precision instrument landing system, and crosswind Runway 05/23 is 3,610 feet long. The terminal building houses a pilot’s lounge, flight planning facilities, and the Spitfire Deli restaurant and catering. is the airport’s fixed based operator, offering fueling, tie downs, and aircraft maintenance since 1985. 

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According to the study, several local employers rely on the airport to conduct business operations in the region, including Cooper Barnett & Page, Northeast Sales Distributing and Fortson Concrete. Many businesses base aircraft at the airport as well, including Cooper, Barnett and Page and Northeast Sales Distributing.

The airport also serves as a gateway to area attractions, such as Chateau Elan Winery,  and Road Atlanta, and is used by corporate and recreational visitors. Other important activities supported by the airport include flight training, law enforcement flights, civil air patrol operations, aerial inspections and surveys, and medical transport.

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