The civilian joint management board for the MidCoast Regional Airport at Wright Army Airfield on Friday authorized up to $10,000 in engineering work for a prospective industrial tenant.

The board, comprised of Liberty County Development Authority Chairman Allen Brown, Liberty County Commission Chairman John McIver and Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas, spoke vaguely about the prospect in order to honor a confidentiality agreement with the company.

Under the agreement, the county, Hinesville and LCDA each would foot one-third of the share for engineering services spearheaded by P.C. Simonton & Associates.

The master plan calls for expanding the airport into nearby wetlands that previously were anticipated for industrial enhanced-use leasing.

Monday morning, the LCDA board approved spending up to $3,334 to cover its one-third share for the labor but did not divulge any other information.

“Depending upon the outlook of the work with the prospect and attempts to receive potential grant funds to assist with needed infrastructure should the project move forward with the prospect, additional work on the master plan may or may not be requested,” LCDA CEO Ron Tolley said.

The board also briefly discussed Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ Aug. 20 visit to Fort Stewart, where he discussed the potential impacts of $1.2 trillion defense and entitlement sequestration should Congress fail to adopt a debt-reduction plan during its September session.

Thomas reiterated to the board that sequestration would not only affect Fort Stewart — it would have ripple effects with area industries and civilian contractors, he said.

Several entities and smaller governments in areas such as Warner Robbins and Columbus are drafting resolutions to send to Georgia’s congressional representatives requesting that they take action. Thomas said the Hinesville City Council anticipates adopting such a resolution during its next meeting, and the Liberty County Commission has been encouraged to do the same.

On recommendation from Thomas, the board approved preparation of literature on behalf of the LCDA to be sent to Georgia representatives urging action.

The LCDA will hold a planning workshop at 8 a.m. Sept. 19 at Coastal Electric Cooperative, 1265 S. Coastal Highway.