City of Richmond Hill Names Four Members to New Airport Authority

Key Takeaways

• Richmond Hill appointed four members to Bryan County Airport Authority by June 30, 2025, per state law.
• The authority will develop public-use airports with 90% federal funding, aiming to open by 2029–2030.
• Authority includes 11 members from city, county, and legislative delegation with four-year terms.

On June 30, 2025, the City of Richmond Hill took a major step in shaping the future of aviation in Bryan County, Georgia. The city officially appointed four members to the newly established Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority. This move fulfills a key requirement under new state legislation and sets the stage for the development of new public-use airports in the region. The appointments include well-known local leaders such as Mayor Russ Carpenter, City Manager Chris Lovell, and Christian Rushing. The name of the fourth appointee was not released in the most recent announcement, but these appointments complete Richmond Hill’s obligation to the authority.

This update marks a turning point for Richmond Hill and Bryan County, as the area prepares for growth and increased demand for aviation services. The new airport authority will play a central role in planning, funding, and building new aviation infrastructure. Here’s a detailed look at what this means for the community, local government, and anyone interested in the future of air travel in the region.

Why Was the Airport Authority Created?

The Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority was created in response to rapid growth in the area and the need for better aviation facilities. Local businesses and residents have long relied on airports in neighboring counties, which can be inconvenient and limit economic opportunities. Recognizing this, State Representative Ron Stephens sponsored Georgia House Bill 763, which was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 1, 2025. The new law gives the authority the power to develop and operate public-use airports and landing fields in Bryan County.

Who Makes Up the Airport Authority?

The authority is made up of 11 members. The structure is designed to ensure that both city and county interests are represented, along with input from the state legislative delegation. Here’s how the appointments break down:

• Richmond Hill City Manager and Bryan County Manager (or their chosen representatives) automatically get seats.
• The Bryan County Board of Commissioners and the Richmond Hill City Council each appoint two members every year. They also take turns appointing a third member every other year.
• The Bryan County legislative delegation appoints the remaining four members. These appointees do not have to be residents of Bryan County.

All appointments had to be made by June 30, 2025, to comply with the law. Terms last four years, except for the city and county managers, who serve as long as they hold their jobs.

Key People Involved

Several local leaders and officials are central to this process:

• Mayor Russ Carpenter: As the mayor of Richmond Hill, he brings experience and a deep understanding of the community’s needs.
• Chris Lovell: The Richmond Hill City Manager, who will help guide the authority’s work.
• Christian Rushing: Named as one of the city’s appointees.
• Bryan County Board of Commissioners: Responsible for appointing members and supporting the authority’s work.
• Bryan County Development Authority: Although not given direct appointment power, this group has expressed hope that it can influence the legislative delegation’s choices.
• State Rep. Ron Stephens: Sponsored the bill that created the authority.
• Governor Brian Kemp: Signed the bill into law, making the authority official.

What Will the Airport Authority Do?

The authority has a clear mandate:

• Develop and operate public-use airports and landing fields in Bryan County.
• Request the use of eminent domain (a legal process where the government can take private property for public use, with payment) if needed to secure land for airport projects.
• Issue revenue bonds and lease property to raise money for airport development.

It’s important to note that the new airport or airports will be for public use only. This means they will not offer scheduled commercial passenger flights like those at large international airports. Instead, they will serve private pilots, small businesses, and possibly air cargo or emergency services.

How Will the Airport Be Funded?

Building an airport is expensive, but the funding plan is designed to limit the burden on local taxpayers. Here’s how the money will be split:

• 90% of construction costs will come from federal sources, mainly through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• The remaining 10% will be split between the state and local governments (5% each).
• The airport authority will be responsible for raising its share, which could involve issuing bonds (a way for governments to borrow money) or leasing property to generate revenue.

This funding model means that most of the money will come from outside the county, reducing the impact on local budgets. Local officials have stressed that Bryan County taxpayers will not face new costs because the authority can raise money through its own powers.

What’s the Timeline for Development?

The process of building a new airport is long and involves many steps. Here’s what to expect:

• Site Selection: The authority is currently considering five possible sites for the new airport. The exact locations have not been made public yet, but a decision is expected by late June or early July 2025.
• FAA Approval: Before any construction can begin, the authority must get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. This process includes environmental studies and public hearings.
• First Official Meeting: The authority must hold its first meeting by April 30, 2026. This meeting will be open to the public, with at least 15 days’ notice given ahead of time.
• Construction Timeline: If all approvals are granted, construction could begin within 1–2 years. The entire process, from planning to opening, is expected to take about 4–5 years. The goal is to have the new airport open by 2029 or 2030.

How Were the Appointments Made?

The appointment process was designed to be open and fair. The city and county put out public calls for applicants, held meetings, and conducted interviews in late June 2025. This approach aimed to find people with the right skills and experience to guide the authority’s work.

Appointments last four years, except for the city and county managers, who serve as long as they remain in their positions. This mix of elected officials, experienced managers, and community members is meant to ensure a balance of perspectives.

What Are the Main Concerns and Questions?

As with any major project, there are questions and concerns from the community:

• Site Selection: Residents want to know where the new airport will be built and how it will affect nearby neighborhoods.
• Environmental Impact: Building an airport can have effects on local wildlife, water, and air quality. These issues will be studied as part of the FAA approval process.
• Eminent Domain: Some people worry about the possibility of the government taking private land for the project. The authority can request this power, but it must follow strict legal procedures and provide fair payment.
• Public Involvement: Many residents want a say in the process. The law requires public meetings and open records, so people will have chances to share their views.

What Do Local Leaders and Experts Say?

Local officials and business leaders have spoken out about the need for a new airport. The Bryan County Development Authority, for example, has pushed for better aviation facilities to support local businesses and attract new investment. They point out that many residents and companies now use airports in other counties, which can be inconvenient and limit growth.

Mayor Russ Carpenter and other city leaders have stressed that the new airport will not add costs for local taxpayers. They say the authority’s ability to raise money through bonds and leases will cover the local share of funding.

At the same time, some groups have expressed disappointment that they did not get direct appointment power to the authority. The Bryan County Development Authority, in particular, hopes to influence the legislative delegation’s choices for the remaining seats.

What Happens Next?

The next steps for the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority include:

• Finalizing Site Selection: The authority will choose a location for the new airport from the five sites under consideration.
• Starting the FAA Approval Process: This includes detailed studies of the site, environmental impact, and public hearings.
• Holding the First Official Meeting: By April 30, 2026, the authority will meet to organize and begin formal work.
• Raising Funds: The authority will explore ways to raise its share of the funding, likely through bonds or property leases.
• Engaging the Public: Residents will have opportunities to attend meetings, review documents, and share their opinions.

How Does This Affect Different Groups?

• Residents: The new airport could make travel easier for local pilots and businesses. It may also bring jobs and economic growth. However, some people may worry about noise, traffic, or changes to their neighborhoods.
• Businesses: Local companies could benefit from better access to air transportation, which can help with shipping, receiving visitors, or expanding operations.
• Local Government: The city and county will have a say in how the airport is developed and run, but they will not have to cover most of the costs.
• Environmental Groups: These organizations will watch the process closely to ensure that environmental rules are followed and that the impact on nature is minimized.

Official Resources and Where to Learn More

For those interested in following the progress of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority, several official resources are available:

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides information on airport approval processes, funding, and regulations.
• The City of Richmond Hill and Bryan County websites will post updates, meeting notices, and public documents.
• The Georgia General Assembly website has the full text of House Bill 763, which created the authority.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the creation of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority is a significant development for the region, reflecting both the area’s growth and the need for modern infrastructure. The process is designed to be open, with many opportunities for public input and careful oversight by local and state officials.

Summary Table: Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority (2025)

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• The Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority is now fully appointed and ready to begin work.
• The authority will focus on developing a new public-use airport to meet the needs of a growing community.
• Most of the funding will come from federal sources, with local contributions covered by the authority’s own revenue-generating powers.
• The process will include public meetings, environmental studies, and careful planning to address community concerns.
• The airport is expected to open by 2029 or 2030, bringing new opportunities for residents and businesses in Richmond Hill and Bryan County.

For ongoing updates, keep an eye on official city and county websites, as well as local news outlets. The next year will be critical as the authority selects a site, begins the FAA approval process, and starts to shape the future of aviation in the region.

Learn Today

Airport Authority → A governing body established to develop and operate public-use airports within a specific region.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → A U.S. government agency regulating civil aviation and overseeing airport funding and safety approvals.
Eminent Domain → A legal process allowing governments to acquire private land for public projects with fair compensation.
Revenue Bonds → Debt securities issued by authorities to raise funds for projects, repaid through generated revenues.
House Bill 763 → Georgia state legislation signed in 2025 creating the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority.

This Article in a Nutshell

Richmond Hill formed an 11-member Airport Authority, fully appointed by June 2025, to develop public-use airports funded mainly by federal sources, aiming for a 2029 opening amid community planning and FAA approvals.
— By VisaVerge.com