CAE to receive $2.7 million in federal funds for improvements

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport will receive $2.7 million in federal funds for modifications including a new service road, an improved terminal and apron lighting, and improved drainage and erosion control.

The funds are part of $800 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants (.pdf) awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration to 46 states, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Marshall Islands.

“This nearly $800 million Federal investment in airport infrastructure will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs and provide many economic benefits for local communities,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a news release.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will receive $4.9 million to rehabilitate a taxiway, expand an apron, and construct and improve safety areas. Myrtle Beach International Airport will use $3.7 million to reconstruct a taxiway.

Other S.C. airports receiving funds are located in Allendale, Camden, Darlington, Florence, Georgetown, Greer, Hartsville, Kingstree, Lancaster, Laurens, Manning, Pageland and Pelion.

The funding includes $689 million from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and $104 million in new coronavirus relief, according to the release.

“These 383 grants will allow airport sponsors to either begin or complete construction projects that will maintain the safety and efficiency of our national airport system,” Stephen M. Dickson, FAA administrator, said.