Latest news with #SenateBill331
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kemp signs bill dissolving Barrow County Airport Authority, transfers control to county government
The Brief Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation transferring control of the Barrow County Airport to the Barrow County Government, dissolving the Barrow County Airport Authority. The airport was originally governed by a joint authority formed by Barrow County and the City of Winder in 1958, with changes in 1986 establishing the Barrow County Airport Authority. Stoney Bangert, a retired U.S. Navy officer, has been named the new Airport Manager, bringing extensive aviation and project management experience to the role. BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation on Wednesday transferring control of the Barrow County Airport to the Barrow County Government, officially dissolving the Barrow County Airport Authority and placing its assets, obligations, and operations under the county's jurisdiction. Senate Bill 331 marks a significant shift in airport oversight, ending decades of separate authority governance. What they're saying "I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Gov. Kemp and the entire Barrow County legislative delegation. Their leadership on this important legislation cannot be understated," said Pat Graham, Chairman of the Barrow County Board of Commissioners. The backstory The airport was originally governed by a joint authority formed by Barrow County and the City of Winder in 1958. That agreement was amended in 1986 to establish the Barrow County Airport Authority, which removed the City of Winder from airport control. What's next With the transition finalized, Barrow County has named Stoney Bangert as the new Airport Manager. Bangert, a retired U.S. Navy officer with 27 years of service and extensive aviation and project management experience, previously worked as operations manager for RAC Properties in Athens. "Stoney's extensive experience – both in the air and on the ground – will be an invaluable asset as the Barrow County Airport is shaped for the future," said County Manager Srikanth Yamala. "Barrow County is committed to investing and supporting this vital community resource, which will only enhance economic opportunities in the county." Bangert holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of North Florida and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. The Source The Barrow County Government provided the details and image for this article.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to dissolve Barrow Co. Airport Authority heads to Kemp, but county, Winder officials divided
A bill to dissolve the Barrow County Airport Authority and make Barrow County the official organization in control of the Barrow County Airport passed both chambers of the Georgia legislature and is on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp to sign. While it passed nearly unanimously in both chambers, the City of Winder and Barrow County are divided on their support for the bill. City officials are opposed to its implementation, while the county initiated the move via their local lawmakers. City and county officials are split in their support of what the bill does. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Senate Bill 331 was passed on April 4 during Sine Die, the last day of the Georgia General Assembly's legislative session. Barrow County officials said in a statement on Monday that they support the bill, which would transfer the Airport Authority's assets, obligations and responsibilities to the county. TRENDING STORIES: Father, son killed after tree falls and crushes them at Georgia golf course 2-year-old, 3 women found dead inside GA mobile home Mother, four young children killed in early morning wreck along Georgia coast However, Winder officials say the bill would financially harm their community. 'The City of Winder has a duty to defend our residents against decisions that could shift financial burdens onto them without their knowledge or consent,' City Administrator Jonathan Lynn said in a statement. 'When there is no outreach, no dialogue, and no acknowledgment of the City's contributions or concerns, it becomes our obligation to step in to protect our residents.' City officials said their attempts to speak with state-elected representatives about SB 331 were not responded to and neither the state or the county had communicated about the legislative proposal in advance of its introduction to the legislature. 'Given this lack of transparency, the City feels an even greater responsibility to protect the interests of its residents, who are not only citizens of Winder but also Barrow County taxpayers,' the city said in a statement. Among their concerns, the Winder officials said they have vested interest in the airport due to the property they contributed to 'establish and grow' it, with a mutual understanding that the Airport Authority would work independently. The city said moving full control to the county would undermine the city's investment in the airport and expose residents to increased costs without representation. 'The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution on January 28 to initiate local legislation to dissolve the authority and have the airport become a standalone department of the county government,' Srikanth Yamala, Barrow County Manager said in a statement. 'The board is committed to investing in the facility and providing the necessary support, enhancing economic development opportunities in Barrow County.' Should Kemp approve the legislation, it would end Winder's control of the Barrow County Airport Authority, closing out the more than 40 years of what the city called the airport's independent operation. It's now up to Kemp to approve the bill with a signature or veto it within the next 40 days. If the governor chooses to take no action, the bill will become law on its own. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
