Bryan Co. Halts Funding for Richmond Hill Airport Proposal

Bryan County Commission Suspends Funding for Proposed Airport

In a recent decision, the Bryan County Commission voted to suspend funding for a proposed airport in Bryan County. The vote was unanimous, except for Commissioner Patrick Kisgen Jr. of District 4, who suggested postponing the matter for further discussion.

“We listened to the people, and we looked at the studies,” said Commission Chairman Carter Infinger. “We analyzed both studies, and we just want to suspend it at this time and maybe pick it up later.”

Residents have raised several concerns regarding the potential airport. These include safety issues, the impact on local residents, and the number and size of planes that would be using the facility. Mary Beasley, a Bryan County resident and former air traffic controller with 28 years of experience, expressed her concerns about the project's safety.

“It’s close to restricted airspace and another military operating area,” Beasley said. “It’s extremely unsafe. They do military exercises… there are certain regulations that [and air traffic controller has] to follow. When you go into those type of areas, there are rules and regulations… some of these planes can’t get into that airspace.”

Draft of the Resolution

Here is the draft of the resolution:

Before Tuesday’s vote, discussions about repealing the Airport Authority Board took place during the Richmond Hill city council election. However, the board responded by stating that this was not a possibility.

For over a year, Bryan County has been discussing the potential development of an airport in Richmond Hill. In February, the Bryan County Board of Commissions adopted the resolution 2025-15, which showed support for the development of the airport authority.

This resolution between Bryan County and the City of Richmond Hill faced strong pushback from residents, particularly concerning how the airport would be funded. One Richmond Hill resident, Corey Foreman, started a petition to repeal the resolution that formed the board.

Statements from the Airport Authority Board

Chairman of the Airport Authority Board, Trip Addison, stated that the Bryan County Commission does not have the ability to repeal the board because it was created by Georgia House Bill 763, making it a state operation.

Addison explained that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is conducting a southeast Georgia regional airport analysis. This analysis aims to determine the need for the airport and its potential location. GDOT has until September to submit a plan outlining where things would be built and who would pay for it.

“We’re in a waiting period. I wish the county commission would have cooler minds versus following social media posts and wait for GDOT to finish their process and for them to determine whether the airport is needed or not,” said Addison.

He added that even after GDOT completes its analysis, an environmental analysis will also be necessary. Addison said if either GDOT or the environmental assessment finds Richmond Hill unsuitable for the airport, the Airport Authority Board will not move forward with operations.

“I’ve got complete alignment of the Airport authority board that if GDOT doesn’t support it, we’re not going to move forward,” Addison said. “My ask is just to allow these processes that are in place, for big infrastructure projects, for a reason, to take place and sort out whether there’s truly a need.”

Addison mentioned that even if the county suggests stopping operations, the board will continue with its plans until GDOT provides further guidance.

You can find the frequently asked questions, provided by the Airport Authority Board here.