Charleston, Greenville and other SC airports receive millions in FAA grants

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Charleston International Airport will receive almost $2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to put toward making the airport safer and more sustainable.

On Aug. 24, the FAA announced it was investing $766 million into nationwide projects that have potential to mitigate environmental impacts, increase accessibility and expand capacity at airports in 44 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the FAA said in a news release.

Charleston airport will break its $1,980,524 award into several projects, including sealing and rehabilitating taxiway pavement surfaces and joints. The airport will allocate $84,000 to purchasing a handicap passenger lift device to assist passengers with disabilities as they board and exit airplanes.

“These grants will improve safety, sustainability and accessibility at airports across our country,” said Steve Dickson, FAA administrator, in the release.

This is the fifth round of funding for fiscal year 2021 Airport Improvement Program Grants, and Charleston is one of 279 grant recipients.

In addition to the FAA’s allocation to Charleston airport, the Lowcountry Regional Airport in Walterboro will receive $883,586 to update the existing taxiway and construct a new one. The Lexington County Airport in Pelion will be granted $184,778 to also rehab its taxiway.

Augusta Regional at Bush Field is set to receive $1,316,251 to update its apron and invest in a miscellaneous study.

The FAA awarded another $951,038 to Greenville Spartanburg International, as well as $333,333 to Anderson Regional Airport for taxiway updates at both facilities.

Myrtle Beach International received the largest grant for South Carolina airports, with a $4 million award to construct a new building and enhance the airport’s security.

Because of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the projects will not have to pay the local match, given the nearly $100 million provided in the law, the release said.

Each year, the Airport Improvement Plan receives upward of $3 billion in funding. Throughout 2021, the FAA awarded more than 1,800 grants.