TITLE 6 AVIATION

Section 5. Georgia Aviation Authority, 6-5-1 through 6-5-10.

ARTICLE 2 POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS TO AIR FACILITIES

6-5-5. Additional powers of the authority.

In addition to the powers specified in Code Section 6-5-4, the authority shall have the powers:

1. To have a seal and alter the same at its pleasure;
2. To acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise and to hold, lease, and dispose of real and personal property of every kind and character for its corporate purposes;
3. To acquire in its own name by purchase, on such terms and conditions and in such manner as it may deem proper real property or rights of easements therein or franchises necessary or convenient for its corporate purposes and to use the same so long as its corporate existence shall continue and to lease or make contracts with respect to the use of or disposal of the same in any manner it deems to the best advantage of the authority. No property shall be acquired under this chapter upon which any lien or other encumbrance exists unless at the time such property is so acquired a sufficient sum of money is deposited in trust to pay and redeem the fair value of the lien or encumbrance; and if the authority shall deem it expedient to construct any project on lands which are a part of the real estate holdings of the state, the Governor is authorized to execute for and on behalf of the state a lease of the lands to the authority for such parcel or parcels as shall be needed for a period not to exceed 50 years. If the authority shall deem it expedient to construct any project on any other lands the title to which shall then be in the state, the Governor is authorized to convey, for and in behalf of the state, title to such lands to the authority;
4. To appoint and select officers, agents, and employees, including pilots, maintenance workers, engineering, architectural, aviation, and construction experts, fiscal agents, and attorneys, and fix their compensation and otherwise adopt policies that establish a system of sound personnel management;
5. To make contracts and leases and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient, including contracts for construction of projects and leases of projects or contracts with respect to the use of projects which it causes to be erected or acquired; and any and all political subdivisions, departments, institutions, or agencies of the state are authorized to enter into contracts, leases, or agreements with the authority upon such terms and for such purposes as they deem advisable. Without limiting the generality of the above, authority is specifically granted to any department, board, commission, or agency of the state to enter into contracts and lease agreements for the use or concerning the use of any structure, building, or facilities or a combination of any two or more structures, buildings, or facilities of the authority for a term not exceeding 50 years; and any department, board, commission, or agency of the state may obligate itself to pay an agreed sum for the use of the property so leased and also to obligate itself as part of the lease contract to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the property leased from the authority;
6. To accept loans or grants of money or materials or property of any kind from the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof upon such terms and conditions as the United States or the agency or instrumentality may impose;
7. To exercise any power usually possessed by private corporations performing similar functions, which is not in conflict with the Constitution and laws of this state; and
8. To do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly given in this chapter.

(Code 1981, §6-5-5, enacted by Ga. L. 2009, p. 848, § 1/SB 85.)