County clears $4 million airport project for approach

(Left to right) Darlington County administrator Charles Stewart, Council members David Coker and Joyce Wingate Thomas, Council Chairman Bobby Hudson, and Vice Chairman Lewis Brown recently completed eighteen hours of county government training at the South Carolina Institute of Government. Photos by Samantha Lyles

By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net

At their Sep. 9 regular meeting, Darlington County Council finalized the local commitment needed to trigger a $4.58 million runway improvement project at the county’s airport.

By approving Ordinance 19-20, the county pledges to appropriate $229,455 (5 percent of project costs) to the Darlington County Airport in order to receive $4.13 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The state will also provide $229,456 toward the project.

The State Champion Lamar Dixie Youth Baseball team (9-10 year olds)

With this agreement formally settled, the runway rehab could begin later this month.

According to airport manager Barry Kennett, the 20 year-old asphalt runway has developed ruts along its 5,500-foot surface and must be milled down between 2 and 7 inches. The new runway’s deep concrete surface will be more durable and will triple the weight capacity for landing aircraft.

Kennett has said the airport would be closed to airplane traffic for about 90 days during construction.

Council member Bobby Kilgo lauded the grant and noted that it’s rare for a rural infrastructure project to receive so much money with such a small local match required.

The State Champion Darlington County Little League Junior Girls Softball team (13-15 year-olds)

“That’s a lot of money for a small county airport, and that meant that somebody did a lot of hard work to convince the feds and the state that it was worthwhile,” said Kilgo. “I know it’s going to be inconvenient while they do the work, but when they finish, bigger corporations and bigger planes can come in there. It’s going to be beneficial to our economic development.”

Later, Council approved awarding the construction contract of $4.23 million to Hi-Way Paving.

Also at this meeting, Council met and honored three South Carolina State Championship winners: the age 9-10 Dixie Youth Baseball team from Lamar, the age 13-15 Little League Softball team from Darlington County, and the age 15-16 Darlington County Little League baseball team.

The State Champion Darlington County Little League Baseball team (15-16 year-olds) photos by Samantha Lyles

“We appreciate you. You did a great job this summer,” said Lee Andrews, director of Parks and Recreation.

Council chair Bobby Hudson added that it was heartening to see young people out playing sports instead of sequestered at home with video game consoles.

“It’s an awesome experience for kids to participate and bring it to this level in Darlington County,” said Hudson. “Congratulations to every one of you.”

Several members of Council were also recognized for recently graduating from the South Carolina Association of Counties’ Institute of Government for County Officials. Graduates included Council members David Coker and Joyce Wingate Thomas, Council Chairman Bobby Hudson, Vice Chairman Lewis Brown, and county administrator Charles Stewart.

Author: Stephan Drew

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