RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation has granted $290,556 in state funds for rehabilitation of the runway at Columbus County Municipal Airport.
NCDOT’s Division of Aviation has already awarded the airport $2.6 million in federal funds for the project, and is granting the additional state money to cover the required local match.
The local match was picked up as part of a Division of Aviation safety enhancement program for rural airports that do not have the same access to funding and revenue as airports in larger cities, but are still vital parts of their communities. Columbus County Municipal Airport, located just south of Whiteville, contributes $122 million to the local economy every year and supports 380 jobs.
These funds will be used for runway and apron rehabilitation, which means a new top layer of pavement to replace the current aging surface. The airport will also switch over the runway lighting from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED lights, reducing energy use and saving money over the long term.
The project is estimated to be completed in the fall of this year.
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