State officials late last week announced the formation of a task force to explore the location of a publicly owned heliport in downtown Boston. The landing complex would be the first of its kind in the area since 1999.

The task force, which is comprised of state and local officials, will consult transportation experts as well as stakeholders in potential heliport sites (which apparently include Dewey Square near South Station, somewhere in Southie, and upon an as-yet-unbuilt contraption in the Harbor).

The task force will also hold at least two meetings for public input:

Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Amphitheater on the mezzanine level of the Seaport World Trade Center

Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. in Room 428 of the State House.

Since General Electric’s future Fort Point headquarters was the impetus for the heliport push and since that HQ is expected to open next year, the heliport decision should come before 2018. Stay tuned.