Central Georgia leaders say encroachment will be a problem of the past by the next round of BRAC, or Base Realignment and Closure.
They made that declaration Friday at an event announcing that they have about $20 million dedicated to buying properties at the end of the Robins runway.
The government leaders called it progress, but the issue also paints a daunting scenario for some homeowners.
The Museum of Aviation, Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart said, "We have again worked on behalf of economic development for the betterment of our community."
Leaders from Bibb, Houston and Peach Counties called the gathering a show of their ability to work together to end the number one reason military installations are recommended for closure: Encroachment.
Houston Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker said, "Great strides have been made."
The local governments have bought 90 of 250 properties along the south Bibb County and North Houston County line. They inked an agreement Friday pledging money to buy more.
Houston and Bibb Counties each committed $6 million in SPLOST dollars. Peach County allocated a half million. The state plans to chip in $2.5 million this year.
Hart said, "We're also getting money from the DOD, Department of Defense. We currently have gotten $5 million. We hope to get $5 million more. If those monies come in, we can completely eliminate the encroachment concern."
Not everyone in the room joined in the enthusiasm of the announcement. Connie Currie heard about the event and came with some neighbors to get an update on encroachemnt.
She owns five acreas off McArrell Drive in Bibb County, and does not want to sell.
At her home, she said, "This place out here is near and dear to my heart."
Currie bought the property 38 years ago. She recently renovated her kitchen, and says her daughter and grandchildren live next door.
The government has not made her an offer yet, but she's slowly watching her neighbors homes become vacant houses.
Currie said, "A lot of people are selling because they're just tired of the aggravation and uncertainty of what's going to happen."
Houston County Commission Chair Tommy Stalnaker says he understands the sentiment, but their actions are for the greater good. He said, "When all is said and done, I think the driving force is what is going to keep Middle Georgia and the state of Georgia viable."
Stalnaker says if all goes according to plan, they should have all the properties they need in two to three years time.
He says he believes they need about $24 million to buy all 250 properties.
The Central Georgia Development Authority is managing the money to buy the real estate, and they are using a professional appraiser to determine the value of the properties.
At the event, the 21st Century Partnership and the local governments honored former Macon-Bibb Chamber of Commerce director Chip Cherry. They credited him with leading the effort to end encroachment during his tenure in Central Georgia.