Bluffton Airport has received federal funding to repave three taxiways at the 1080 Navajo Dr. facility, which will update routes used to move aircraft from hangers to the runway.

The Village of Bluffton has been awarded a $90,000 federal grant from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program for paving some 4/10th of a mile of taxiways. This grant follows the $1.1 million award that resulted in complete repaving of the runway in 2020-2021. Grants are made to ensure passenger safety and to support local economies.

The general aviation facility is owned by the Village of Bluffton and operated by Bluffton Flying Service. Mostly serving small planes, it is a busy facility due to its maintenance and flying instruction services. Bluffton Flying Service also rents aircraft and provides flight physicals.

Manager Nick Vance estimates that 30 or more flying students are in training at any given time.

The new taxiways could also open the door for the construction of new hangars on the far side of the runway from the Dottie Anderson terminal.

Currently some 20 single engine aircraft are based at the field. Life Flight emergency medical services are based in Bluffton.

For additional information, call Bluffton Flying Service at (419) 358-7045 or the Village of Bluffton at (419) 358-2066.

FAA information about the Bluffton Airport is found at https://adip.faa.gov/agis/public/#/airportData/5G7