Laurens County Airport Celebrates Grand Opening

News Summary

Laurens County is celebrating the grand opening of the new George S. (Sammy) Wham Terminal at the Laurens County Airport on February 21. The new terminal, which is double the size of the old facility, has been developed with a budget of $2.6 million and features a spacious lobby, conference room, and pilot lounge. The project exemplifies community involvement and is a step towards enhancing local aviation services, including plans for a Jet-A fuel station and improved safety measures.

Exciting Times Ahead for Laurens, South Carolina!

Laurens County is buzzing with excitement as the Laurens County Airport prepares to mark a special milestone. On February 21, at precisely 2 p.m., a ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off the grand opening of the newly built airport terminal. This charming new facility is not just any terminal; it has been named the George S. (Sammy) Wham Terminal, in honor of a prominent figure who served on the Airport Commission for many years.

A Brief History of the Airport

The Laurens County Airport has been a cherished part of the community since 1963. However, the last major construction took place back in 1981. Can you believe that? After all those years, it was high time for a refresh! The new terminal comes in at a whopping 3,000 square feet, which is double the size of the old one. Now, travelers can enjoy a more spacious and welcoming environment.

The Financial Breakdown

This exciting project, which costs around $2.6 million, has been made possible through a combination of funding sources. The community played a significant part, contributing $500,000 from the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) funds. Also, a grant from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission lent a helping hand. The remaining balance was taken care of by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). What an amazing way for local and federal resources to come together!

What to Expect

Let’s take a quick peek inside the new terminal, shall we? Travelers can look forward to expanded areas designated for airport operations, complete with restrooms and a spacious public lobby. There’s even a conference room to accommodate business meetings, ideal for the executive travelers who frequent the airport. Pilots will find a cozy pilot lounge that can be accessed via a convenient keycode, ensuring they have a comfortable place to relax when staff isn’t around.

Future Upgrades

But wait, there’s more! The airport isn’t done evolving just yet. Plans are already in motion to establish a Jet-A fuel station to cater to larger aircraft. Additionally, an FAA-approved fence will be put up to keep wildlife well away from the runway, ensuring everyone’s safety during takeoff and landing.

A Temporary Arrangement

Agriculture and Business Center, keeping it busy and useful.

Community Involvement

This new terminal is not just about infrastructure; it represents the community’s vision for the future. It is part of a wider, long-term improvement plan, identified through community discussions that focused on meeting upcoming needs. It’s a perfect example of how community voices can lead to tangible changes that benefit everyone.

Join the Celebration!

Laurens County Airport is ready for takeoff, and everyone is invited to be a part of this exciting journey!

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Additional Resources

• Laurens County Airport Grand Opening
• Gray Court Community Park Funding
• FAA Funding for Midlands Airports
• Visualising Airports in a Virtual Environment
• Veterans Memorial Park Completion
• Wikipedia: Laurens County, South Carolina
• Google Search: Airports in South Carolina
• Google Scholar: Laurens County Airport
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
• Google News: Laurens County Airport