ATLANTA (September 23, 2026) — Today, President Pro Tempore Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) and Rep. Danny Mathis (R–Cochran) announced a $600,000 state investment to support the construction of new hangars at Cochran Airport in Bleckley County.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is preparing an airport contract with the City of Cochran for the project, which has an estimated total cost of $800,000. The state will provide up to $600,000 through the Airport Aid Program, with the remaining $200,000 provided through a local match.
“Cochran Airport is an important asset for Bleckley County, and this investment is another example of our commitment to strengthening the infrastructure that keeps rural Georgia competitive,” said Sen. Walker. “Investments in local airports have an impact that reaches far beyond the runway. These new hangars will help position the airport for continued growth and ensure this community has the infrastructure it needs for the future. I’m proud to work alongside Representative Mathis and our local leaders to bring state resources home and invest them where they can make a real difference.”
“This $800,000 investment is a great example of what can happen when state and local leaders work together to strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Mathis. “The state’s $600,000 commitment, combined with the City of Cochran’s $200,000 local investment, will help expand the Cochran Airport and provide new hangar facilities to support our local economy and the aviation industry. I’m proud to support this project and the continued investment in infrastructure that helps Cochran and Middle Georgia grow.”
Funding for the state’s $600,000 share is available through the Capital Outlay-Airport Aid Program in the Intermodal Transfer Facility AFY 2025 Budget. Construction inspection and testing for the project will be conducted by Holt Consulting Company, LLC.
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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.
Representative Danny Mathis represents the citizens of District 133, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties, as well as a portion of Telfair County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and as Secretary of the Human Relations & Aging and Motor Vehicles committees. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Small Business Development and Transportation committees.For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.