Three North Carolina Airports Receive Grants for Safety Improvement Projects

The North Carolina Board of Transportation has approved funding for safety improvement projects at three regional airports. 

Nearly $3.5 million of state and federal funding will go toward projects that will improve taxiways, enhancing safety for pilots and their aircraft.

According to a press release, the bulk of the grant money will go to Wilkes County Airport, where it will be used to bring the airfield up to date with current FAA standards.

Airport manager Robert Gross says larger aircraft will be able to fly into Wilkes County directly, making it easier for people to do business in Wilkesboro, Boone, and other communities in the foothills and High Country.

The remainder of the funding will go toward airfield rehabilitation at Elkin Municipal Airport and at Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort.