The purpose of this grant award is for assistance to gain or improve air service for eligible small community air service development (scasdp) communities

The Columbus Airport Commission received a $220,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Immediate Office of the Secretary under the Payments for Small Community Air Service Development Program (CFDA 20.930), awarded on April 18, 2025, with completion targeted for January 8, 2029. The grant supports the development and improvement of air service to Columbus, Georgia through two primary mechanisms: establishing a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) agreement with an air carrier to provide scheduled service to the community and/or conducting marketing initiatives to enhance existing service offerings. These activities align with the program's objective of expanding connectivity to the national air transportation system for underserved small communities.

The expected outcomes of this award include the establishment or expansion of sustainable air service that strengthens Columbus's connection to regional and national transportation networks. The direct beneficiaries include local residents, visitors, and businesses who gain improved aviation access and reduced travel burdens. The Columbus Airport Commission will manage these funds directly without subawards, focusing resources on either securing carrier commitments through revenue guarantees or on marketing efforts designed to increase utilization of existing or new routes, thereby supporting the broader economic development objectives of the community.

Activities

The community will enter into an agreement for a minimum revenue guarantee with an air carrier to provide service to the recipient, and/or for marketing to improve service, within the scope of the signed scasdsp grant agreement.

Expected outcomes

That the recipient may be able to develop and sustain new or additional air service that provides additional connection(s) to the national air transportation system.

Intended beneficiaries

Local residents, visitors, and businesses will benefit from scheduled air service and the connection to the national air transportation system.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds. "