Beaufort County Council voted 11-0 on Monday to approve the funding plan and give the greenlight to the Hilton Head Island Airport Terminal Upgrade project. 

“It’s going to be one of the most impactful and transformative projects we are going to see in a long time,” says Jon Rembold, Beaufort County Airports Director. “The project is about comfort, convenience and a first-class experience that our travelers deserve and expect when flying to Hilton Head.”

The estimated $55 million project will go up for construction bids this May. It will include approximately 43,000 more square feet for terminal space, three jetways for passengers, new parking, security upgrades, all-new baggage claim, a new grand hall and a four-lane passenger drop‐off and pick-up area.

“Security will be much more streamlined, baggage claim will be excellent with normal carousels found at modern airports,” Rembold said.

The project should be underway by the end of the year and is estimated to be completed by mid to late 2025.

A 2020 update to the SC Aeronautics Airport Economic Impact Study showed the airport contributes nearly half a billion dollars annually to the local economy.

The airport already owns all of the property needed for the terminal.  The County is projecting it has at least $42,000,000 in funding that will come from a variety of federal, state and local sources. The breakdown is as follows:

• FAA ‐ $20,000,000 ($10,000,000 already awarded; $10,000,000 to be applied for after bidding)
• Beaufort County/Airport - $2,000,000
• State of South Carolina – The County is working with local state representatives to secure funding from the SC Federal infrastructure money. The County is projecting at least $15,000,000 for the project.
• FAA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Application under review. The County is projecting $5,000,000
• Town of Hilton Head Island – Request has been made for supportive funding. 

More grants and funding sources will be applied for the help defray the cost. Together, both the County and airport are prepared to pay at least $3 million more as well.

The construction process itself will be an economic boom to the area. A project this size will bring in $150 million in economic impact through jobs and materials.