The Public Works Department is currently clearing underbrush and debris at Middle Georgia Regional Airport that will allow a portion of the fence along Highway 247 to be replaced. The clearing should take several weeks to complete (depending on weather and other projects that need to be addressed), and crews are using two trackhoes (one for clearing and one for loading) and several dump trucks.

 “This is one of the services we provide to help keep our public properties safe and secure,” says Public Works Director Marvin Land. “For this amount of growth and underbrush, you need crews experienced with heavy equipment, and we’re glad to be a part of keeping our airport and its growing number of passengers and companies safe.”

The airport recently acquired the property after it had been abandoned for several years and overgrown with trees and weeds. The acquisition of the property allows the airport to reestablish its boundary and improve that area. A clean and well-maintained fence provides better security and safety of the airfield by acting as a deterrent to both wildlife and unauthorized individuals. It also allows for airport and security personnel to conduct more thorough inspections of the area and have better control of the airfield.

“We couldn’t have done this project without Public Works, and to have that service in house helps keep the cost down,” says Airport Manager Erick D’Leon. He also points out many Macon-Bibb Departments have put significant effort into maintaining and improving the airport, including with land management efforts, electrical repairs, facility maintenance challenges, vehicle & equipment repairs, and airfield painting, which is critical to the safe navigation of aircraft.