South Carolina airports, including Aiken's, to receive thousands in federal funding

Jan. 6—More than 40 airports across South Carolina will soon be securing a piece of over $32 million.

The money is coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was signed into law by President Joe Biden in November, according to U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.

Airports will be able to use this funding for investments in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects, read a release from Clyburn's office.

Aiken Regional Airport will be receiving $110,000 of the total money.

Joy Lester, the airport's manager, said everyone is "excited to receive the funds."

"We will be using those funds for (the) runway rehab project that we have planned," Lester said.

The airport, located at 129 Aviation Blvd., is city owned and for public use. It does not have commercial airline service and serves the general aviation community in Aiken, Augusta and the 11 other counties in the Central Savannah River Area.

"The American people have been asking for infrastructure fixes for a long time. The previous administration promised investments in infrastructure, but President Biden delivered," Clyburn stated. "The arrival of these millions of dollars is long overdue and will ensure South Carolina has the funding to create safe and more sustainable airports.

"Additionally, these investments will guarantee that our airports have the modern infrastructure to continue to be an economic engine by bringing millions of dollars in revenue to the state."