Install runway visual guidance system; rehabilitate terminal access road; install runway signage/markings; rehabilitate runway lighting; rehabilitate terminal parking lot

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a Project Grant of $304,711.58 to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Aviation Division on August 22, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to administer a state block grant program for nonprimary airport improvements across North Carolina. The grant, with an ultimate completion date of August 21, 2029, supports multiple airport infrastructure projects including runway visual guidance system installation, runway signage and markings, runway lighting rehabilitation, terminal access road rehabilitation, and terminal parking lot improvements. The Aviation Division serves as the intermediary administrator, distributing and managing federal funding for designated airport improvement projects while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements and safety standards.

Two sub-awards have been issued under this grant to support specific infrastructure initiatives. The City of Hickory received a sub-award dated January 20, 2026, for runway lighting rehabilitation, signage installation, and runway 6 Runway End Identifier Light (REIL) installation activities. Washington County received a sub-award dated November 20, 2025, for terminal parking lot rehabilitation and 500 feet of access road improvements. These coordinated projects address critical safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure modernization needs at nonprimary airports throughout North Carolina, enabling local airport authorities to enhance facilities and maintain compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project awards a state block grant program grant to the state of north carolina to administer airport improvement program sub-awards for nonprimary airports within the state. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports in the north carolina state block grant program.