MOORE COUNTY, N.C. — A new $2.5 million state grant will help Moore County Airport accelerate infrastructure improvements supporting new hangars, private investment and future growth.
The funding was awarded through the North Carolina Airports Economic Development Fund, a performance-based program that assists general aviation airports with capital projects. The Moore County Airport Authority voted to accept the grant during its July meeting.
Airport officials plan to use the money for taxiway improvements and related infrastructure serving two new commercial hangars that began construction earlier this year. The work will also include access and parking improvements around the privately developed buildings.
The grant does not require a local funding match, allowing the Airport Authority to move forward without waiting for additional local money to become available.
The project is one part of a broader effort to expand the airport’s services and economic impact. Other plans include constructing a new general aviation terminal, remodeling portions of the existing terminal and preparing the facility for the possible return of commercial passenger service.
Local tourism and airport leaders began exploring commercial service following the 2024 U.S. Open. Preliminary estimates indicated that accommodating scheduled flights could require between $5 million and $10 million in improvements.
The Airport Authority has identified nearly $30 million in potential projects it would like to complete before the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst in 2029.
The airport is already a significant contributor to the local economy. North Carolina’s latest State of Aviation report estimated that Moore County Airport generates approximately $135.5 million in annual economic activity. That represents a 45 percent increase since 2021 and places the facility among the state’s leading general aviation airports.
Airport leaders say the latest investment will help support existing tenants while making Moore County more attractive to aviation-related businesses and other companies considering an investment in the region.
Source: This story is based on reporting by The Pilot.
