Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA), along with Sens. Perdue and Isakson, led the effort to include a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018, that opens up the runway and control tower at Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB) for joint-use.

"I commend my colleagues in the House and Senate, especially Georgia Senators Perdue and Isakson, for working with us to include this landmark provision in this year’s NDAA.  Senator Perdue advanced the Amendment in the Senate and served on the Conference Committee for the bill. Opening up the runway and control tower at Dobbins ARB for joint-use will not only expand the base’s long-term economic impact on our community, but it will also enhance the partnerships between the Air Force, Lockheed, and other organizations located at Dobbins.

“Transportation is a key element for businesses looking to expand, and this change opens up a whole new realm of possibilities that do not currently exist. Dobbins ARB is prime real-estate for research development, transportation, and disaster relief services. With the support of the Air Force, Lockheed, and the local community, the door is now open for the continued growth and expansion of Dobbins ARB and Cobb County.” 

Background
This provision within the NDAA approves the reclassification of Dobbins ARB runway and tower from a restricted Department of Defense and Lockheed-Martin use-only to a joint-use asset.

• In 1989, Congress acted to restrict any joint-use of the runway and control tower at Dobbins ARB. While this action was deemed appropriate at the time, the factors that led to this action are outdated.
• Cobb County is home to Dobbins ARB and many other joint partners from all other branches of the DOD. Co-located with Dobbins ARB is Air Force Plant 6, which hosts Lock-heed Martin’s production and modification facility for the C-130, C-5, and the F-35. Other tenant organizations of Dobbins ARB include the Georgia National Guard headquarters, which employs 15,000 civilians and uniformed personnel, and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRO), which comprises approximately 1,000 high-tech jobs.

Section 2877 of the NDAA, which allows for the joint-use of Dobbins ARB, can be found here.