Midlands Leaders celebrate completion of first Regional Gateways project along airport corridor
June 22, 2026
Local government leaders, business representatives and community partners gathered on Wednesday, June 17 to celebrate the completion of the first project under the Regional Gateways initiative, a collaborative regional effort focused on enhancing key entry corridors throughout the Midlands.
Hosted by the Midlands Business Leadership Group (MBLG), the ribbon-cutting ceremony recognized the completion of landscape and beautification improvements along the Airport Boulevard corridor between Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Interstate 26. The corridor was selected as the first priority project because of its prominence as a primary entrance to the Midlands experienced by visitors, prospective employers, site selectors and residents arriving in the region.
“This project represents much more than improvements along a single corridor,” said Mike Crapps, president and CEO of First Community Corporation and chairman of MBLG. “It demonstrates what can happen when local governments, regional organizations, businesses and community partners come together around a shared vision. For many visitors, prospective employers and residents, this corridor creates a first impression of the Midlands. Today’s celebration marks the completion of an important first step, but it also reflects the momentum and collaboration that will continue to drive future Gateways projects across our region.”
The project represents the first completed corridor enhancement within the broader Midlands Gateways initiative, which was established to identify and improve prominent entry points across the region through collaboration among local governments, regional organizations, businesses and community stakeholders.
Wednesday’s program featured remarks from Mike Crapps, Mickey Layden, founder and chair emeritus of LCK; Britt Poole, executive director of the Central Midlands Council of Governments; and Chris White, president and CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Speakers highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in advancing corridor improvements, strengthening the appearance and perception of the Midlands, and building momentum for future enhancement projects throughout the region. The program also recognized the many local governments, funding partners, regional organizations, design professionals and project stakeholders whose collective efforts helped move the initiative from concept to completion.
Originally developed through MBLG, the Regional Gateways initiative brings together public- and private-sector partners around a shared vision for improving key corridors that serve as gateways to the region.
Project leaders noted that the completion of the Airport Boulevard improvements represents the beginning of a broader regional effort. Additional Gateways projects are already being explored and advanced through planning and design efforts, building on the momentum created through this initial phase.
Following the program, representatives from participating governments, regional organizations, funding partners and project stakeholders joined together for a ceremonial ribbon cutting recognizing the collaborative effort that made the project possible.
About the Regional Gateways Initiative
The Regional Gateways Initiative is a regional effort focused on enhancing key entry corridors throughout the Midlands. Through collaboration among local governments, regional organizations, businesses and community partners, the initiative seeks to improve the appearance, perception and sense of place of the region while strengthening economic competitiveness, community pride and quality of life.
The Gateways Project includes eight corridor enhancement locations across the Columbia region:
- Airport Boulevard Gateway: One-mile stretch beginning at I-26 & S.C. 302 continuing to the Airport Expressway
- Fort Jackson Gateway: I-77 & Forest Drive
- Lexington Gateway: I-20 & U.S. 1
- Harbison Gateway: I-26 & Harbison Boulevard
- Downtown Connector Gateway: I-20 & S.C. 277
- I-20 & I-26 Interchange
- I-20 & I-77 Interchange
- I-77 & I-26 Interchange
About MBLG
Midlands Business Leadership Group (MBLG) is an organization of business leaders who identify critical issues and initiate programs to address opportunities to advance the region.
MBLG’s mission is to accelerate the development of the Midlands as a region that attracts and retains top talent, produces vibrant job offerings, and provides necessary resources to ensure superior livability for all people.
