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County updates terminal project; commissioners approve three-year amendment to airport management contract
Summary
Columbus County received an update on terminal-area construction and apron expansion at the regional airport and approved a three-year amendment to the airport management contract. Projects are funded largely by state grants, county staff said.
Columbus County commissioners heard an update from airport staff and consulting engineers on June 2 about ongoing terminal-area improvements and approved an amendment extending the airport management contract by three years.
John Massey, a project manager with Talbert and Bright Engineering, told the board the county has completed roughly 8,400 square yards of new apron pavement and is constructing a new 6,600-square-foot terminal building. "Construction of the terminal building commenced 05/01/2024, scheduled for completion 11/23/2025," Massey said. He said contractors expect airport operations to move into the new terminal mid to late summer, after which the existing terminal will be demolished and remaining apron work finished.
Massey and Airport Director Phil Edwards said the apron expansion and terminal work are paid with state-directed grants administered by the N.C. Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation. Massey described the combined investment as about $9,000,000 in improvements, funded with "100% grant funds with no local match required." He also said the county recently received a separate NCDOT Division of Aviation grant of roughly $1,300,000 for security and perimeter fencing and that future projects include new automated weather equipment and planned hangar construction.
Commission action: The board approved an amendment to the airport management contract to extend the term by three years after Airport Director (presentation) and staff requested the change. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Watts and seconded by Commissioner Bullard; the board voted in favor.
Why it matters: The projects increase aircraft parking and ground access and add a modern terminal, which airport staff said will support safe operations and future hangar development. County officials emphasized the state-funded nature of the work and said no local matching funds were required for the terminal and apron projects.
Ending: Commissioners thanked project staff and noted hangar construction and other terminal-area work will continue as the county completes punch-list items and moves equipment into the new terminal.
