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October 29 2025
Vol. XXVII • No. 22
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Planning Gives Summers Edge in Airport Project Columbus Airport photo
Runway 6-24 at Columbus Airport is prepped for repaving.
By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT
Summers Concrete Contracting Inc. initiated operations on Aug. 5, 2025, for the $24 million reconstruction of Runway 6-24 at Columbus Airport (CSG), one of the airport’s two runways. The goal is to provide better support for large and heavy aircraft to land and take off and to expand its infrastructure to meet increased demand. The airport at 3250 West Britt David Road serves as a regional and public-use facility for Muscogee, Russell and Harris counties, as well as Fort Benning. Crews are removing the 6,997-ft. asphalt runway and replacing it with a concrete one. The brief project is being financed by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Georgia’s Transportation Investment Act Program (TIA) funds. “Due to decades of wear and tear and underlying storm drainage issues, the asphalt runway will undergo a comprehensive rebuild,” said Sonya Overton, CSG director of marketing and air service development. “The reconstruction comes following an in-depth geotechnical assessment that included site reconnaissance, soil test borings and sampling evaluations. The findings concluded that a complete runway overhaul is required.” The project includes the removal and replacement of the asphalt surface and base materials, installation of a new longitudinal drainage system and the replacement of storm drains beneath the runway. “When the runway improvements are complete, we will
see increased safety and operational efficiency,” said CSG Director Amber Clark, “but, just as importantly, we’ll be positioning Columbus for the future. These upgrades will allow us to better support large aircraft, create opportunities to expand passenger air service and open the door for new cargo business, all of which contribute to the growth of our regional economy.” Project planning began in late 2022 following an FAA inspection that identified the need for improvements. Environmental review work started in mid-2023, design began in late 2023 and the bid process opened in late 2024. Construction began in August 2025. “The availability of Runway 13-31 means the airport can continue to support ongoing aircraft operations throughout the project,” Clark said. “Having a secondary runway is vital see AIRPORT page 6
Convention Center, Hilton Break Ground On Riverfront Hotel The Savannah Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA) and Hilton broke ground Oct. 8, 2025, on the 444room Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel, expected to debut in mid-2028. The companies also announced the signing of a management agreement for the property, which will serve as the headquarters hotel for the Savannah Convention Center (SCC) and become Georgia’s second Signia by Hilton hotel. According to an earlier report by the Savannah Morning News, the construction is projected to cost $398 million. Owned by SGCCA and developed in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which also oversees the convention center, Hilton will man-
age the hotel. Following the 2024 opening of Signia by Hilton Atlanta, the proposed Savannah hotel builds on the brand’s Georgia expansion and will bring a premier full-service hotel directly to the convention center’s growing campus opposite the city’s downtown on Hutchinson Island along the Savannah River. “Today is a grand day for Savannah, Chatham County and the state of Georgia,” said Mark Smith, SGCCA board chair. “This hotel will ensure that our convention center will perform at maximum capacity, augmenting our vibrant tourism industry and creating upward mobility and prosperity for all.”
Songy Highroads, based in Alpharetta, Ga., and Matthews Southwest Hospitality of Texas are co-developers of Signia by Hilton Savannah. The property will offer 38,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, which includes a 13,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, five food and beverage outlets, an outdoor pool and Club Signia, a premium offering for guests. The hotel’s design reflects the Signia brand’s signature blend of modern elegance, elevated amenities and seamless service, according to SCC. It will be directly connected to the convention center, offering guests immediate access to one of the Southeast’s top venues for meetings, conferences see HOTEL page 6