Three general aviation airports in North Carolina will undergo improvements, thanks to grants they were awarded from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program Supplemental Discretionary Grants promote sustainability and resiliency. They will be used to make critical upgrades to the Davidson County Executive Airport, Wayne Executive Jetport, and the Hickory Regional Airport.
“This investment is a crucial step in ensuring that North Carolina’s airports are prepared for the future,” said Becca Gallas, director of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation. “By improving sustainability and resiliency, we are not only enhancing safety but also positioning our state to meet the demands of a rapidly changing aviation landscape.”
Davidson County Executive Airport in Lexington
The $1 million award for Davidson County Executive Airport will fund the reconstruction of the taxiway lighting system. This project includes replacing the existing taxiway edge lights with energy-efficient LED lights, upgrading the cabling, improving the grounding and lightning protection systems, and enhancing the electrical vault. Also, the airport’s rotating beacon will be replaced with a new LED beacon, and lighting on the terminal apron will be upgraded. These improvements will enhance operational resiliency, improve energy efficiency, and boost safety during nighttime and adverse weather.
“This funding allows us to provide safer, more sustainable operations for our pilots and passengers,” said Ted Myers, chairman of Davidson County Airport Authority. “We’re proud to be leading the way in making our airport more resilient.”
Wayne Executive Jetport in Goldsboro
The Wayne Executive Jetport in Goldsboro received $1 million to reconstruct its airfield drainage systems. The funds will address long-standing drainage issues on the north end of the airfield, which have caused taxiway flooding and halted operations during heavy rain. These improvements will enhance water flow and reduce the risk of flooding, ensuring continued operations during weather events.
“This upgrade is essential for ensuring we can continue to operate in all conditions,” said Gene Dawson, Wayne Executive Jetport manager. “The grant will enable us to safeguard the airport from future storms and keep our operations running smoothly.”
Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory
The $750,000 grant awarded to Hickory Regional Airport will be used to upgrade the runway lighting system. This project includes replacing the existing incandescent runway and threshold lights, along with the Precision Approach Path Indicators, with energy- efficient LED Lighting. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency and enhance operational safety, particularly during nighttime operations and in inclement weather.
“We are excited to enhance our lighting systems and improve our environmental footprint,” said Chad Hunsucker, Hickory Regional Airport director. “This funding will help make our airport more sustainable and reliable.”
These grants align with North Carolina’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and promote clean transportation initiatives, supporting Governor Roy Cooper’s vision for a greener, more resilient transportation network. The AIP Supplemental Discretionary Grant is part of a larger FAA initiative to modernize and improve airports across the U.S., with a focus on sustainability, resiliency and safety.
