McCormick County Airport Revival Fuels Local Growth and Connectivity in Western South Carolina

Grant Zibell

McCormick County is preparing for takeoff – literally and economically – as work continues on a major expansion project at McCormick County Airport, a key project aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and business appeal across Western South Carolina. 

Originally built in the 1980s to support the development at Savannah Lakes Village, a housing community, the airport had fallen into limited use over the years. That changed in 2022 when county leaders launched a revitalization effort to restore and modernize the facility. 

“I’m one of those people who believes if you have an active airport, it brings economic activity into your community,” airport manager Mark Warner says. “People are going to fly, buy fuel and bring other economic activity.” 

Tim Fredlund (MaesAwyr, LLC)

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission has been the main backer of the project, covering 80% to 90% of eligible capital expenses. Warner has applied for a $1.7 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce to fund hangars and a fuel farm – key components needed for the airport to qualify for Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program funding in the future. An additional $1.7 million is expected from McCormick County’s capital project sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2024 and is anticipated to be available by 2027 or 2028. 

Some of the early groundwork was completed through a partnership with the S.C. National Guard units. 

Planned upgrades include security fencing, runway lighting, a new directional beacon and an instrument approach setup, or “everything you would see in a fully functional general aviation airport,” Warner says. 

The runway is expected to reopen by the end of 2025, with hangars completed by early 2027, positioning McCormick County Airport to become a vital hub for business, industry and recreation across the region.