Federal grant to spur major construction at Florence Regional Airport
Charles Tomlinson/Morning News
Published: April 28, 2008
POST YOUR COMMENTSPublished: April 28, 2008
The Florence Regional Airport will begin its first major construction since about 1991 with a $1.7 million federal grant to help accommodate more planes and rebuild the terminal building passenger concourse, airport Executive Director Hartsell Rogers said.
The Pee Dee Regional Airport Authority received the grant, which was among the $6.7 million for South Carolina airports announced last week by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Airport authority member Toy Nettles said the improvements will bring the airport up to date and make it an even more valuable asset to the Pee Dee.
“It’s going to be something that is really exciting, and it’s something that will be important to the Florence Regional Airport, which is crucial to the Pee Dee,” he said.
The improvements are part of an overall project, worth $7 million to $8 million, to be funded through multiyear grants, Rogers said.
The rebuilding of the concourse will include the addition of vending machines and restrooms to a lounge built in the 1970s, Rogers said.
The lack of restrooms is a problem because travelers sometimes stand in line and go through security before realizing there are no restrooms in the departure area, requiring them to leave the concourse and make a second trip through security, Rogers said.
The grant also will fund the reconstruction of the Florence airport’s airplane parking apron, which has parking areas for three planes, Rogers said.
The new apron will offer spaces for four planes — five, if necessary — and should make it easier for jets to pull up to the gate.
“The best part ... is that it will be expandable to 200 percent its size with very little effort,” said Rogers, adding that the eventual airplane capacity could triple from four to 12.
“We expect it will take care of us for 20 years,” he said.
In addition, airlines could opt to add enclosed boarding bridges so that passengers can board their flights without having to step outdoors, Rogers said.
The construction should begin in August or September and will be handled in phases to avoid disruptions of travel, he said.
The entire project will take about a year and a half to complete, he said.
Horry and Lee counties also are among the recipients of federal grants for airport improvements.
Horry County will receive nearly $2.1 million to buy a new vehicle for aircraft rescue and firefighting as well as two new passenger boarding bridges for the Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Lee County will receive about $222,500 to build an aircraft parking apron and a taxiway at Lee County-Butters Field.
Advertisement
View More:
No tags are associated with this article
Not what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Advertisement