Georgetown County Airport to break ground on runway reconstruction project

Contact:
Jackie Broach, Public Information Officer
Phone: (843) 545-3164
E-mail: jbroach@gtcounty.org
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Georgetown County Airport to break ground on runway reconstruction project
 
GEORGETOWN COUNTY – Georgetown County officials, airport staff and project partners will gather at the Georgetown County Airport this Friday to break ground on the reconstruction of Runway 11/29 — a major project aimed at enhancing safety and operational capabilities at the county’s airport.
The groundbreaking coincides with South Carolina Aviation Week, serving as Georgetown County’s contribution to recognizing the vital role aviation plays in the state's economy and infrastructure.
This project is particularly exciting, because Runway 11/29 is a secondary runway, and secondary runways are not usually eligible for FAA funding. As a result, most are in very poor condition.
“The leadership at the state Aeronautics Commission recognized this as a safety issue and created a new program that would allow 90% of projects to be funded through state support, making it feasible for local governments to complete these projects,” said Georgetown County Airport Manager Jim Taylor. Runway 11/29 will be the first secondary runway in the state to take advantage of this new program.
Originally installed in 1942 by the military during World War II, Runway 11/29 has never been resurfaced. Over time, the original construction — which included asphalt laid over tree stumps and roots — led to significant surface deterioration. Voids and sinkholes have formed across the runway, creating serious safety concerns.
“We’re proud to take this important step in making the airport safer and more reliable for all users,” Taylor said. “This reconstruction ensures that pilots have a safe crosswind runway available and allows for continued operations if maintenance is needed on our primary runway.”
The total cost of the project is $6.3 million. The construction contract was awarded to Ben Cox Company, LLC, of Andrews.
The Georgetown County Airport, established in 1942 and transferred to county ownership in 1947 under the Surplus Land Act, has steadily grown in importance as a general aviation facility. It serves private pilots, business travelers, and visitors seeking access to the Grand Strand and coastal South Carolina, and it is increasingly positioned as a key location for aviation-related economic development. Over the past five years, Georgetown County has invested approximately $15 million in airport improvements with support from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“This project would not have been possible without the leadership and support of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission,” Taylor added.
Following the groundbreaking, guests will have the opportunity to tour other airport improvements, visit Sherpa Aviation’s maintenance hangar to view a CASA 235 aircraft under repair, and enjoy light refreshments provided by engineering firm Talbert & Bright.
Those attending the groundbreaking should enter at the Airport’s back gate, located at 860 Aviation Blvd. For more information about the project or the airport, please contact Taylor at (843) 545-3638 or email jtaylor@gtcounty.org.