The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced that it has awarded $12,099,563 in state grants to public‑use airports throughout the state. The funding comes from the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program and is intended to address a range of infrastructure needs that keep local airports safe, reliable and ready to serve communities.
Project scope and financing
ALDOT reported that the total value of the projects receiving support is $73,071,980. Of that amount, $53,635,243 is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, $7,337,174 comes from the airports themselves, and the remaining $12,099,563 is the state contribution detailed above.
Grant recipients will use the money for runway and taxiway repairs, apron resurfacing, pavement maintenance, airfield lighting upgrades, drainage improvements, hangar construction, land acquisition, equipment purchases and other facility enhancements. By strengthening these core components, the projects aim to improve safety for pilots, support emergency‑response operations and bolster local businesses that rely on air transport.
Local impact
“Alabama’s airports support local businesses, emergency response and travel in communities across the state,” said Frank Farmer, chief of ALDOT’s Aeronautics Bureau. “This funding will help airport owners address important infrastructure needs and maintain safe, reliable facilities.”
County and municipal leaders echoed the sentiment, noting that upgraded airport facilities can attract new commercial activity, create jobs and provide a critical lifeline for medical evacuations and disaster response. In rural areas where road travel can be lengthy, a well‑maintained airport offers a faster alternative for moving goods and people.
List of funded airports
The ALDOT release includes a detailed table that lists each airport, its sponsoring authority, a brief description of the project, the amount contributed by the state, the airport sponsor’s share, the FAA’s contribution and the total project cost. While the full list is extensive, examples include runway resurfacing at the Montgomery Regional Airport, lighting upgrades at the Dothan Regional Airport and a new hangar at the Huntsville International Airport.
These investments reflect Alabama’s broader commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure. By leveraging federal funds and local airport contributions, the state maximizes the impact of each dollar, ensuring that the aviation network remains a vital component of Alabama’s economy.
Looking ahead
ALDOT plans to continue monitoring the progress of each project and will release follow‑up reports on completion timelines and outcomes. The department also encourages airport owners to apply for future grant cycles, emphasizing that ongoing maintenance and upgrades are essential to keep Alabama’s air travel system competitive and safe.
Overall, the $12 million grant package underscores the state’s proactive approach to supporting aviation assets that serve families, businesses and first‑responders across Alabama.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
