This week I am thrilled to report that I have been reappointed to the Richland County Airport Commission for another four-year term by the County Council. The Richland County Airport Commission is the advisory body to the County Council for Richland County’s in town airport, Jim Hamilton- LB Owens Airport (CUB) located on Jim Hamilton Boulevard. I have greatly enjoyed being part of this body for six years and I look forward to serving my next term.

Hamilton-Owens Airport is one of the most convenient airports and serves the Columbia community well. We have 125 aircraft based there as well as numerous corporate aircraft, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s aviation fleet, and the aircraft for my alma mater, the University of South Carolina! It is truly a hidden gem, an economic driver for the Midlands, an incubator for the next aviation generation of pilot and support staff, and one of the most well-run airports around.

I serve on the Promotions Committee which is designed to educate the public on the various benefits and economic advantages of having an airport in the center of our city. We are currently putting the finishing touches on a strategic plan, which in my opinion is extremely well written by our Committee Chairman Michael Medsker and will be published in early 2023.

If you have not seen it, take a ride and check out our vibrant local general aviation facility, Hamilton-Owens field.