Repair/rehabilitate/modernize sponsor owned FAA contract tower

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $300,000 in project grant funding to the County of Beaufort on July 16, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs, and COVID-19 Airports Programs (CFDA 20.106). The grant funds the repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of a sponsor-owned FAA contract tower located at Hilton Head Island Airport in South Carolina. This project qualifies for expanded eligibility under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is expected to be completed by July 15, 2029.

The modernization of the air traffic control tower will enhance the safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure resilience of the airport facility serving the Hilton Head Island region. As a county-level government entity with extensive experience managing FAA infrastructure grants, the County of Beaufort has demonstrated capability in executing airport improvement projects, including prior terminal expansions, runway rehabilitations, and safety enhancements at this same facility. The grant recipient is responsible for project management, compliance reporting, and maintenance of records per FAA requirements throughout the four-year performance period.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project modernizes a sponsor owned, federal aviation administration contract tower. This project is allowable under the infrastructure investment and jobs act's expanded eligibility. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with hilton head island, south carolina.