Feds give South Carolina airports more than $5.7M in grants

(The Center Square) — The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded South Carolina airports more than $5.7 million in Airport Improvement Program grants.

The money is part of $636 million for 320 grants in 46 states and American Samoa to improve airport infrastructure. The feds awarded the money as part of the 2024 Airport Improvement Program's fourth round of grants.

The amounts range from $150,000 for Spartanburg Downtown Memorial/Simpson Field in Spartanburg to reconstruct an apron and Marlboro County Jetport - H.E. Avent Field in Bennettsville to rehabilitate a runway.

Charleston AFB/International in Charleston walked away with the biggest haul, receiving more than $1.7 million to reconstruct passenger boarding bridges.

"This $636 million investment helps airports across the Nation sustain and improve critical infrastructure to advance the safest, most efficient airport system in the world," FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin said in a statement.

The money is just the latest in federal tax dollars flowing into the Palmetto State for airport projects.

Last month, the feds announced more than $6.1 million in taxpayer money for four South Carolina airports as part of the 2024 Airport Improvement Program's third round of grants. The largest award announced for South Carolina airports under that tranche went to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, which was to receive nearly $5.6 million to construct an apron.

Palmetto State airports did not receive funding in the first two rounds of 2024 funding, announced in June.