Bibb County to buy land near Air Force base

The Associated Press

Bibb County officials say they plan to purchase about a dozen properties to help protect Robins Air Force Base from encroachment as early as next month.

Chip Cherry, president of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, says the sales could total about $1 million.

Proponents say clearing the area north of the base is necessary to prevent noise injuries to nearby residents. In 1994, 30 parcels now belonging to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources were purchased with $1.5 million in state funds.

The county plans to ask the state for more support and expects about $750,000 in federal funds for the base to purchase more property.

Cherry says more than 250 properties are targeted for purchase at an estimated cost of $20 million.

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Information from: The Macon Telegraph, http://www.macontelegraph.com