Federal grant targets Taxiway F to improve safety and operations
SAVANNAH — The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will receive more than $4 million in federal funding to reconstruct a key taxiway, U.S. senators announced Monday. The award comes through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant program and is part of an ongoing stream of federal investments in the airport.
Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock said the grant, provided under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used specifically to rebuild Taxiway F. Airport officials say the work is intended to improve the taxiway’s structural integrity and its operational reliability, which in turn should enhance safety for airlines and passengers who use the facility.
“We’re grateful for our congressional delegation’s support and the FAA’s continued investment in our airport’s infrastructure through this grant. Reconstructing taxiway F will improve its structural integrity and operational reliability, enhancing safety, and reliable operations for our airline partners and passengers,”
Those remarks were delivered by Lori Lynah, senior director of marketing and air service development for Savannah/HHI Airport.
Funding context and past investments
Senators Ossoff and Warnock framed the latest award as another installment of federal support for the airport. According to Ossoff’s office, the two senators have helped secure nearly $40 million in federal funding for Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport since 2021. In May, the senators announced a separate $10 million federal award through the FAA.
Both senators emphasized the role of airports in the state’s economy. In statements accompanying the announcement, Senator Ossoff described Georgia’s airports as drivers of job creation and economic competitiveness, while Senator Warnock said he will continue to champion airports and the aviation community to support the state’s economy and travelers.
Local impact and what to expect
Airport leaders say reconstructing Taxiway F will directly affect daily operations by strengthening a surface used repeatedly by aircraft as they move between runways and gates. While the announcement did not include a construction schedule or timeline for closures and detours, such rehabilitation projects typically involve phased work to limit disruptions to flight operations.
- Purpose: Reconstruct Taxiway F to improve structural integrity and operational reliability.
- Funding source: Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- Amount: More than $4 million allocated for this specific project.
The airport’s ability to phase work around airline schedules and peak travel periods often shapes how long reconstruction takes and whether temporary routing changes for ground traffic are necessary. Airport officials will likely provide details on timing, contractor selection and operational impacts as project plans are finalized.
Why the grant matters to Savannah
Investments in airport infrastructure have implications beyond air travel. For Savannah, a city with a busy tourism sector and a significant logistics and industrial base, maintaining reliable airport operations supports local businesses, cargo movements and passenger connectivity. Federal funds to address pavement and taxiway conditions help reduce the risk of operational delays, unscheduled maintenance and safety incidents tied to surface deterioration.
Senators’ statements framed the grant as part of a broader effort to modernize transportation infrastructure across the state. The airport’s leadership expressed appreciation for the congressional support and the FAA’s program that funded the work.
| Year | Federal funding noted |
|---|---|
| 2021–2026 | Nearly $40 million in federal funding delivered to Savannah/HHI Airport (cumulative) |
| May (year not specified) | $10 million announced by senators |
| Recent announcement | More than $4 million for Taxiway F reconstruction |
Airport officials and the senators did not provide a precise construction start date or estimated completion timeline in the announcement. Travelers and local businesses that depend on the airport’s operations should watch for further updates from Savannah/HHI Airport about project scheduling and any temporary operational adjustments.
The grant adds to a multi-year push by federal and local leaders to maintain and upgrade aviation infrastructure that supports both passenger service and the broader Georgia economy.
