Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced over $4.8 million in grants to South Carolina airports. “Airports play a vital role in growing the local economy by making the area more attractive for economic development and business recruitment,” said Graham. “These grants are an investment in the future of our state.” Beaufort County Airport: Will receive $1,021,250 for construction of a partial parallel taxiway to accommodate general aviation and improve safety of aircraft operating at the airport. The project will also allow for the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing aircraft apron to maintain pavement investment, increase the existing aircraft parking area, and enhance aircraft operational safety. Conway-Horry County Airport: Will receive $150,000 to allow a second phase of perimeter fencing to be installed at the airport. Darlington County Jetport: Will receive $776,620 for a 500-foot extension. Funds will also be used to improve the current runway safety area to enhance safety to airport users. This project will provide for the relocation of an airport road to allow for recommended improvements to the apron area. Greenville Spartanburg International Airport: Will receive $2,690,695 for the construction of a new interstate interchange and rehabilitation of runway lighting. The new interchange will improve safety and capacity. The grant will provide for the widening of GSP Drive to provide a more efficient access road system. Replacement of existing problematic regulators in the airfield lighting vault will be accomplished in this grant. In addition, the emergency generator system will be replaced due to age and occurring failures. Lancaster County-Mc Whirter Field: Will receive $ 150,000 to rehabilitate the existing runway edge lighting system. North Myrtle Beach: Grand Strand Will receive $205,000 for the upgrading of existing airport airfield signage to increase airport safety Orangeburg Municipal Airport: Will receive $510,000 for the expansion of the existing apron area to accommodate increasing aircraft parking demand and safe ground operations. #####