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Creating the I-20 Corridor Regional Airport Study Commission; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, general aviation is an integral part of a regional economic development program; and

WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, more and more business executives are relying on general aviation rather than commercial aviation; and

WHEREAS, the East Georgia area of the state competes not only with the Atlanta metropolitan area and the rest of Georgia for economic development opportunities, but must also compete with nearby South Carolina and the comprehensive economic development incentives offered by that state; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that the necessary infrastructure be in place in the region that will make the region attractive to new business ventures as well as encourage the expansion of existing businesses; and

WHEREAS, economic development in this region of the state should rightly be given a high priority due to the fact that it is comprised of a high percentage of Tier One counties and suffers from a high unemployment rate; and

WHEREAS, with general aviation facilities being such an important element in economic development, it is important that the East Georgia area evaluates its general aviation facilities and prepares a plan to address any deficiencies that exist and to take advantage of any opportunities that will enhance general aviation in the region.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate that there is created the I-20 Corridor Regional Airport Study Commission to be composed of three members to be appointed by the governing authority of McDuffie County, two members to be appointed of the City of Thomson, and two members which may be appointed by each of the governing authorities of the Counties of Greene, Taliaferro, Wilkes, Lincoln, Warren, and Columbia if they elect to participate. The members of the commission at their first meeting shall select one of the members of the commission to serve as chairperson and another member to serve as vice chairperson. The commission may appoint such other offices or positions from among its members as it deems necessary. The commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall be authorized to conduct a study which will inventory existing general aviation airport facilities in the I-20 Corridor between Lake Oconee and Clarks Hill Lake, including the Counties of Greene, Taliaferro, Wilkes, Lincoln, Warren, McDuffie, and Columbia. The study shall analyze the capacity of such existing general aviation facilities to provide the services necessary to retain and attract business to this region and shall make recommendations to the General Assembly on any improvements that would make the general aviation infrastructure in this growth corridor more attractive to economic development prospects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution. In the event the commission makes a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, such report shall be made on or before December 31, 2002. The commission shall stand abolished on December 31, 2002.