Augusta group begins airline drive for Continental Express

AUGUSTA - Business leaders and airport officials in Augusta launched a two-week pledge drive Friday to collect enough money to pay for Continental Exprss&#39; opening costs at Augusta Regional Airport. <br> <br> Officials from the airline sent a letter to airport authorities saying they were still interested in starting service between Augusta and Newark International Airport in New Jersey and Bush International Airport in Houston. <br> <br> The letter included an itemized list totaling about $528,000 in costs associated with opening a new station at the Augusta airport. <br> <br> The airport will assist in some of the cost. The Augusta Commission has also pledged $100,000 to help with opening costs. <br> <br> Next month, Continental Express will begin similar service from Highfill, Ark. to Newark and Houston.