Smith Reynolds Airport to Build Electric Charging Station

The airport will use remaining grant funds to develop new infrastructure for electric aircraft by 2027.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern electric aircraft charging pedestal on a concrete ramp, representing airport infrastructure development. — Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem will allocate $1.3 million of state grant funds to construct a dedicated electric aircraft recharging station by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Officials at Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem are launching a series of infrastructure projects to utilize $15.6 million in state grant funds by June 2027. The plan includes the development of a $1.3 million recharging station for electric aircraft.

Why it matters

The airport is accelerating these projects after state officials mandated that remaining grant funds must be spent by the June 2027 deadline. This timeline adjustment follows delays in environmental studies for a previously planned maintenance hangar.

The airport is allocating $186,000 for the initial phase of an electric aircraft recharging station. Additional capital projects include replacing 249,000 square feet of roofing at the facility.

The players

Smith Reynolds Airport

Located in Forsyth County, the airport is one of six sites selected for the state electric aviation pilot program.

The details

To meet the spending requirement, administrators shifted $5 million in local funding toward facility renovations. The airport has already utilized $10.4 million for terminal upgrades and HVAC improvements.

2022: State appropriated the first $11.5 million grant.
2023: State appropriated the second $11.5 million grant.
August 2026: Officials learned of the grant spending deadline.
June 2027: Deadline to spend the $15.6 million grant funds.

Roadmap

This development marks a significant step in the regional transition toward electric aviation infrastructure. By participating in the state electric aviation pilot program, the airport positions itself at the forefront of the shift toward sustainable air travel technology.

Residents and local travelers will see accelerated construction and facility upgrades at the airport as officials work to meet the 2027 spending deadline. These infrastructure improvements are designed to prepare the facility for the arrival of new electric aircraft technology.

The takeaway

Airport officials are successfully repurposing local and state funds to ensure critical infrastructure projects reach completion by the 2027 deadline. The move highlights how grant-driven timelines can rapidly transform regional aviation facilities.