$7.9 Million Taxiway Project Complete; Runway Expansion Begins at Hilton Head Island Airport

Beaufort County announced the completion of the Taxiway A project at the Hilton Head Island Airport. The $7.9 million taxiway project was the first of several key projects included in the airport’s master plan to increase airport safety and marketability.

The taxiway project, implemented in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC), included relocating the 4,300-foot-long taxiway, tree removal and drainage components.

“Our first priority is safety,” said Beaufort County Airports Director Jon Rembold. “One of our goals is to offer more airline choices, but a plan this large in scope begins with ensuring that we are operating at optimum conditions with the safest foundation possible. Our work with the FAA allows us to do just that.”

Taxiway A was relocated 100 feet to the east of the previous location. The project also included revising the general aviation parking area.

“It was the airport’s original taxiway. It complied with old standards, but did not meet new FAA standards for airport design.”

The taxiway project was the first of a series of projects planned for the Hilton Head Island Airport funded through a $13 million grant received from the FAA.

Just days after the taxiway project was complete, the airport launched a project to expand its runway, issuing a “notice to proceed” to its contractor to begin the first phase. The runway expansion project, funded primarily by an $18.9 million grant from the FAA, will extend the runway from 4,300 to 5,000 feet.

“We’re presently a single airline airport,” said Rembold. “The runway expansion will allow us to accommodate more modern planes, which we anticipate will attract more airlines. More airlines will give our locals and visitors more choices and better prices.”

All safety compliance projects at the airport are funded 90 percent through the FAA, 5 percent through the SCAC and 5 percent through the airport.

“Our partnerships couldn’t be better. Our partners believe in these projects and we have a shared vision. I’m pleased with the teamwork that has gelled to make the projects happen. Just knowing about the potential is energizing to me. Allowing your mind to see the potential – to see the future of our airport - is exhilarating.”

The first phase and north end of the runway is expected to be complete by Fall with the full runway finalized by mid-2018.