The Savannah Airport Commission recommends approval of a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to receive a grant for the Jumbo GA Federal Inspection Services Facility in the amount of $243,720.00. GDOT has presented a contract offer to the Commission, which represents a maximum 5% funding of the Airport Improvement Program-eligible portion of the Jumbo GA Federal Inspection Services Facility project (APO18-9000-31 (051)). This project is also funded by the Federal Aviation Administration - (AIP) and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program.

Presently, Customs Border Protection (CBP) conducts port of entry clearances at multiple locations on the Air Operations Area of the Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport. Port of entry clearances by CBP are conducted at fixed based operators such as Signature Flight Support and Sheltair. Additional port of entry clearances take place at a Gulfstream facility due to the volume of clearances associated with aircraft maintenance and new aircraft sales.

The current situation leaves Customs Border Protection without a facility to properly conduct port of entry clearances and presents difficulties for CBP. In addition, the Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport has embarked on an effort to attract international flights from European, Caribbean, and Canadian destinations, which could occur as early as 2019. It is imperative that the hybrid facility be operational for both the general aviation and commercial air traffic.

Approval