Donaldson lands new taxiway

By John Boyanoski  

JANUARY 11, 2010 12:03 p.m. (0)

A $750,000 federal appropriation will pay for an 8,000-foot-long extension to the Donaldson Airstrip that was originally started in 1999.

South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center officials said Monday morning the taxiway is critical for the industrial park’s continued development because it will allow planes to move more freely onto the main runway.

That additional taxi space could lead to development of several parcels in the 2,600-acre complex that could mean jobs in the future, said Jody Bryson, the center’s executive director.

SCTAC, which consists of more than 60 businesses including 3M, Lockheed Martin, Cytec and Stephens Aviations centered around the airstrip that is a former Air Force base, has a quarter-billion dollar annual economic impact on South Carolina, according to the state commerce department.

That is more than the rest of the state’s general aviation facilities combined.

This is the latest development in the last 18 months at the park since officials changed the name and focus to SCTAC. Those changes include an improved Web Site, the announcement of a $45 million National Guard facility and a revamped maintenance facility, Bryson said.

And while the airstrip is a main part of the park’s commerce, it is not the hub. The runway’s usage is about 35 percent of its capacity, but Bryson said the work is critical for air traffic control.

Currently, planes preparing for to fly have to taxi down part of the in-use runway before taking off. Once work completes on the taxiway in two years, planes will be able to take-off once they reach the end of the runway.

A 4,000 foot section of the taxiway was completed in 1999, but the commission has not had the funds since then to finish the remaining stretch.

The appropriation was secured through U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, R-S.C., who said he normally denies most earmark requests, but pushed for the SCTAC money because it will have a definite economic impact.

Work will begin this summer.