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The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced that over $145,000 in state funding has been awarded to seven local airports as part of ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure across the state. The funding comes through ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program, which provides financial assistance, technical, and engineering services to help airports with the acquisition, construction, and expansion of public airport facilities.
Among the recipients is Bay Minette Municipal Airport, which will receive $165,471 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and $9,193 from a state grant to assist with land acquisition. The airport is matching those funds with $9,193 in local funding, bringing the total project value to $183,864.
The other recipients include:
- Foley Municipal Airport will receive $305,193 from the FAA and $16,000 from a state grant to construct a new hangar. The City of Foley will contribute an additional $16,000, making the total project cost $320,000.
- Prattville Airport has been awarded $203,540 from the FAA and $11,308 from a state grant for taxiway reconstruction. The airport will provide $11,308 in local matching funds for a total project value of $226,156.
- At Scottsboro Municipal Airport, $188,107 from the FAA and $10,450 from a state grant will fund updates to the airport master plan. The city of Scottsboro will contribute $10,450, bringing the project’s total value to $209,008.
- Shelby County Airport is set to receive $881,000 from the FAA and $48,944 from a state grant to build a new hangar. The Shelby County Commission will contribute $48,945, making the total project value $978,889.
- Southwest Alabama Regional Airport will receive $739,458 from the FAA and $41,081 from a state grant for land acquisition. The airport will match the state funds with $41,081 in local funds, resulting in a total project value of $821,620.
- Lastly, Wetumpka Municipal Airport will receive $151,112 from the FAA and $8,395 from a state grant to acquire an avigation easement. With an additional $8,395 from local funds, the total project value is $167,902.
These grants are part of ALDOT’s efforts to support the growth and sustainability of Alabama’s airport infrastructure.
“Through the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program, we can continue to ensure our local airports receive the support they need for maintenance, expansion, and other necessary improvements,” said an ALDOT representative.
ALDOT expects to award around $8 million in state funds to local airports across Alabama during the 2024 fiscal year.
Each airport is contributing local matching funds to complement the FAA and state grants, highlighting the importance of community investment in airport improvements. The funding will support a range of projects, including land acquisition, hangar construction, taxiway reconstruction, and updates to airport master plans, ensuring that Alabama’s airports are prepared to meet future aviation demands.
