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Tag: fairfield county airport

  • Governor to attend airport unveiling

    WINNSBORO – It was so dark, a state plane carrying S.C. Department of Commerce Director Bobby Hitt couldn’t land at the Fairfield County Airport.

    Not exactly the impression Fairfield County, a county hungry to land new industry, wanted to leave.

    Now when Hitt and his boss, Gov. Henry McMaster, potentially return in a few weeks for a ribbon cutting on the refurbished airport, the sky and runway beneath it will be much friendlier.

    The Fairfield County Airport will unveil its new look during a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Aug. 20. Airport Director Denise Bryan made the announcement at Monday night’s County Council meeting.

    “Everybody had a part in this project,” Bryan told council members. “For your investment and support of this community, I applaud you.”

    Work began in October 2017 and reached substantial completion in late June.

    The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, picked up 90 percent of the tab of the $780,000 total cost, spending $702,000.

    Fairfield County and the state each pitched in with 5 percent, leaving their portions at $39,000 each, Bryan said.

    “We got a $780,000 project done at our county airport for $39,000,” she said. “That’s a spectacular investment and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got.”

    Bryan invited all council members to attend the Aug. 20 event, which starts at 7 p.m. She said she plans to invite state lawmakers and the governor as well.

    The airport upgrades have been a long time coming. Although signage and pads were refurbished, the absence of adequate lighting was the most pressing problem.

    All lights have been replaced with LED lights, which are more energy efficient. They will also be protected by a series of conduits, which Bryan said would greatly increase their life expectancy.

    During her presentation, Bryan noted poor lighting caused a state plane to be diverted.

    “We had a state plane come in one night, and the [runway] lights wouldn’t even come on,” she said.

    County Administrator Jason Taylor later noted that Hitt was among the passengers on board.

    “I had to hear quite a bit about it [the lights] from him, so I’m glad they’re working now,” Taylor said. “It was not good.”

    Council members were ecstatic to learn of the airport news, especially since the report followed a series of votes and presentations focusing on economic development.

    “When I first came on [council], I went to the airport and saw the conditions,” Goins said. “So I’m excited about what I’m about to see very soon. Very excited about it.”

    “I think it’s fantastic for our county to pay $39,000 and get almost $800,000 in value,” Councilman Dan Ruff added. “As an economic development deal, it’s outstanding. I compliment you on that.”

  • County owes $9,600 for unregulated airport tanks

    WINNSBORO – Fairfield County administration discovered, during the recent reorganization of the County’s airport management, that the airport’s gas tanks had never been properly regulated by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

    In September, the Administration and Finance Committee approved the restructuring of the airport’s management from an independent fixed based operator (FBO) to a director who answers to the County Administrator.

    County Administrator Jason Taylor told Council Monday night that the County is now faced with the $9,600 bill for all past permitting fees that were not paid under the management of the former FBO.

    “Is there any way we can charge that to the previous fixed based operator?” Council Chairman Billy Smith asked.

    “I don’t know that’s the case that we can do that,” Taylor said.

    “I think we need to find out,” Smith said.

    According to Taylor, due to lack of proper inspection, the current tanks are going to be removed and have to be replaced.

    “We’ll find a temporary solution and, hopefully, we’ll have that resolved by Wednesday so there will be almost no interruption for gas services at the airport,” Taylor said.

    The FBO was previously responsible for airport management, collecting gas fees and fees for hangar rentals. An operational assessment conducted in June found the airport to be below average in safety levels and professionalism.

  • County hires two new directors

    WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Deputy Administrator Davis Anderson announced last week the hiring of two new directors for the County – Russell Price as Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Director and Denise Bryan as Airport Director.

    Bryan

    Bryan, a private pilot with over 12 years in commercial aviation, has served as interim director since the summer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics with a minor in airport management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

    “This is an airport with so much potential to grow,” Bryan said, “I’ll be working to make it one of the most valuable tools in Fairfield County to attract new business.”

    Bryan and her husband, Joe, have lived in South Carolina for 24 years and are both involved in the general aviation community.

    Effective Dec. 4, Price, who serves as a Fairfield County magistrate, will begin his new role as the Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Director.

    Price

    “I’ve worked with Russell for 18 years, including his successful tenure at Drawdy Park,” D Anderson said, “and he always gives 100 percent to his job.”

    “I’m looking forward to working with the youth of the county again and improving recreational opportunities for the entire county population including seniors, get-fit participants, after school programs and youth sports,” Price said.  Price said he also wants to improve the county’s facilities/parks and many of the recreational programs.

    “The commitment by the county administration to improve recreation in the county played heavily in my decision to accept the position,” Price said.

    Price and his wife, Julie, and their two children, Georgia Kate and Brody, live in Fairfield County.

    “Having someone in this job who is from the community who knows the people and has a background in recreation is a plus for the department as it moves forward,” County Administrator Jason Taylor said. “Both of these new directors are an asset to the County. “Having someone at the airport reporting directly to administration will, I think, improve the safety, professionalism and customer service at the airport,” Taylor said.