The City of Gainesville has moved to accept a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation for renovations at and around Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.
According to information presented at a special called meeting for Gainesville City Council Thursday morning, the grant will fund pavement removal, shoulder grading and replacement of existing airfield lighting and signage.
City Engineer Matt Tarver told council members the grant of $1.85 million will cover 93% of the estimated costs.
The city will pay the remaining $130,000 out of its airport-specific budget.
The city has awarded contracts to Pittman Construction Company for the construction and Lead Edge Design Group for project management.
"This is going to create some huge improvements at the airport," said Mayor Danny Dunagan.
Council had to vote on the grant Thursday rather than at its regular Tuesday voting session to meet a deadline.
