Federal Grants Awarded to North Carolina Airports for Sustainability and Resilience Upgrades

RALEIGH, N.C. – Three general aviation airports in North Carolina will undergo modernization thanks to grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Additional discretionary FAA Airport Improvement Program grants promote sustainability and resiliency and will be used to make key improvements at Davidson County Executive Airport, Wayne Executive Jetport and Hickory Regional Airport.

“This investment is a critical step in ensuring that North Carolina’s airports are prepared for the future,” said Becca Gallas, director of the Division of Aviation at the North Carolina Department of Transportation. “By improving sustainability and resiliency, we are not only enhancing safety, but also preparing our state to meet the demands of a rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory

A $750,000 grant awarded to Hickory Regional Airport will be used to upgrade the runway lighting system. The project involves replacing existing incandescent runway and threshold lights, as well as Precision Approach Path Indicators, with energy-efficient LED lighting. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency and enhance operational safety, particularly during night operations and inclement weather.

“We are excited about the opportunity to improve our lighting systems and reduce our environmental impact” said Chad Hunsucker, Hickory Regional Airport director.This funding will make our airport more sustainable and reliable.”

Davidson County Executive Airport in Lexington

The $1 million award to Davidson County Executive Airport will fund the renovation of the taxiway lighting system. The project includes replacing existing taxiway edge lights with energy-efficient LED lights, wiring upgrades, grounding and lightning protection system improvements, and electrical safe upgrades. In addition, the airport’s rotating beacon will be replaced with a new LED beacon, and the terminal apron lighting will be upgraded. These upgrades will increase operational resilience, improve energy efficiency, and enhance safety at night and inclement weather.

“With this funding, we can provide our pilots and passengers with safer and more sustainable operations” said Ted Myers, chairman of the Davidson County Airport Authority. “We are proud to be leaders in increasing the resilience of our airport.”

Wayne Executive Jetport in Goldsboro

Wayne Executive Jetport in Goldsboro has received $1 million to rebuild the airport’s drainage systems. The funds will address long-standing drainage problems at the north end of the airport that caused taxiways to flood and halted operations during heavy rains. These improvements will improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding, ensuring continued operations during weather events.

“This modernization is essential to ensure that we can continue operating under all conditions” said Gene Dawson, manager of Wayne Executive Jetport. “The grant will allow us to protect the airport from future storms and ensure the smooth operation of our operations.”

These grants are aligned 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 additional AIP discretionary grant is part of a larger FAA initiative to modernize and improve airports across the United States, with a focus on sustainability, resiliency and safety.