On Tuesday, June 2, the Macon-Bibb County Commission accepted a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Airport Aid in the amount of $2,845,2777.03 to help fund the second phase of the Runway 5-23 extension project.

This funding will go towards the lighting and paving project of the extension and it requires a local match of up to $948,425.68 from previously appropriated funds.

“This investment moves us one step closer to a stronger, more competitive airport that can better serve our community and attract new opportunities to Macon-Bibb,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Extending the runway is a project we’ve worked toward for many years, and we’re grateful to our state and federal partners for helping make it a reality.”

The runway extension is part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure at the airport and enhance its ability to serve corporate, commercial, and general aviation traffic. After decades of discussion about the need for the project and years of behind-the-scenes work, construction is now underway to extend Runway 5 on the southwest corner of MCN by 600 feet, increasing its total length from 6,501 feet to 7,101 feet.