Mississippi airports working to complete projects

South Mississippi (WXXV)- Airports across Mississippi are racing against the clock, trying to complete critical projects before federal funding runs out.

In Picayune — federal funding is giving a small airport a major upgrade. Crews are repaving cracked runways and replacing outdated electrical systems — part of a nearly $2.7 million dollar project that’s mostly federally funded.

Design engineer Devin Hedgepeth said — for a small local contribution — the airport is getting big upgrades.

“5% for that big of a buck — it’s a pivotal project and just a small token to pay for such a large project,” said Hedgepeth.

The work started in March and will keep the runway closed until October. But city leaders say the short-term inconvenience is worth the long-term gain.

“It’s all changed for the good – now we think it’s a tremendous economic tool,” said Harvey Miller, the city manager for Picayune. “If we are expected to grow economically, you got to have a fine facility.”

The airport now hosts flights from companies like Walmart and Chevron — and officials say improving it could bring even more.

In nearby Poplarville, the local airport is also making improvements — but leaders there are focused on long-term self-sufficiency.

Runway and lighting upgrades were completed earlier this year. Now, the board aims to build five new hangars — hoping to generate revenue and reduce reliance on taxpayer dollars.

“We don’t want to keep going to the city and the county with our hands out saying We need $10,000,” said Darryl Fuller, a board member for Poplarville-Pearl River County Airport. “Besides that, if I’m using the airport, I should pay for the upkeep of the airport.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — passed in 2021 — expires in 2026. If the money isn’t used by then, it’s gone.

That’s why leaders say these projects are just repairs — they’re investments in local growth that’s preparing them for the future.