Columbia gets millions from federal government to improve airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is set to receive millions from the federal government to make the travel hub safer and more efficient.
On Tuesday, Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the Trump Administration will distribute nearly $800 million in grants for improvements at airports across the U.S., and beyond.
Of those funds, $2,744,932 is destined for Columbia, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The airport is also receiving money as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as Columbia joins airports across the nation dealing with issues created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Columbia’s CARES Act award is $8,850,557, airport spokeswoman Kim Jamieson told The State. The funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the decline in passenger traffic and from other airport businesses caused by COVID-19.
The funds can be used by the airport to cover capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll & utilities, and airport debt payments, Jamieson said.
“This nearly $800 million Federal investment in airport infrastructure will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs and provide many economic benefits for local communities,” Chao said in a news release.
One of the things the $2.7 million in federal grant money will be spent on is improving the terminal building at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, according to the FAA. That money will specifically be used on an in-line baggage system, in addition to replacing the baggage carousel and escalators at the airport, Jamieson said.
Other projects in Columbia include building a service road, improving airport drainage/erosion control, and reconstructing apron lighting, the FAA reported.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is one of 15 airports in South Carolina to receive money from the government, and one of four receiving more than $1 million.
Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport is getting $4,943,696, most in the state, while Myrtle Beach International Airport will receive $3,667,612, and Laurens County Airport is slated for $1,349,193, according to the FAA.
As of Tuesday, 36,297 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South Carolina, with 735 coronavirus-related deaths, DHEC reported.
“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,” FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson said in the release.
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 12:50 PM.
