Senator Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, announced that eight local airports throughout Alabama will receive more than $8.29 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation for various airport improvements to support infrastructure construction, safety advances, and equipment and land acquisition.
“I am proud our state is receiving $8.29 million in FAA grant funding to advance airport infrastructure throughout Alabama,” Shelby said. “These grants are important investments in the safety, security, and growth of our local airports, which contribute to the state’s overall economic success. The improvements will support rural development and the quality of travel in Alabama. I look forward to their implementation and lasting benefits.”
Each of the FAA grants is administered through the Fiscal Year 2021 Airport Improvement Program, which was funded in the FY21 annual appropriations package that was signed into law in December.
- Evergreen Regional Airport-Middleton Field received $743,933 to rehabilitate a taxiway.
- H.L. (Sonny) Callahan Airport in Fairhope received $150,000 to acquire land for development.
- Huntsville Executive Airport-Tom Sharp Jr. Field received $1,786,598 to conduct an airport-related environmental study and rehabilitate a runway.
- The Mobile Downtown Airport received $4,844,123 to rehabilitate an apron.
- Robbins Field Airport in Oneonta was awarded $85,469 to conduct an airport-related environmental study and improve drainage and erosion control.
- The Scottsboro Municipal Airport-Word Field received $94,906 to acquire land for development.
- The Shelby County Airport in Alabaster was awarded $401,186 to construct, modify, improve, and rehabilitate a hangar.
- Wetumpka Municipal Airport received an award of $189,851 to mark, light, and remove an obstruction and acquire easement for approaches.
Airports are increasingly important infrastructure as more and more businesses acquire aircraft.
Shelby has represented Alabama in the Senate since 1987 after eight years representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District and eight years in the Alabama Senate. Shelby will retire when this present term ends at the end of 2022.
