Limestone gets federal funds for airport fence, court video technology

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May 27--ATHENS -- Limestone County received news Tuesday that it is getting money for its airport and for video conferencing for inmate court hearings.

U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, issued press releases that said Pryor Field Regional Airport near Calhoun Community College has received $101,307 to install additional fencing to prevent unauthorized access to its airfield.

Network

The Limestone County Commission also received $100,000 for its Voice Over Internet Protocol network. That money will underwrite the cost of video conferencing equipment.

Through phones with video screens, judges can hold preliminary hearings for inmates without jailers having to transport the inmates to the courthouse.

Pryor Field's grant is through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Safety

The commission's grant is through the Appalachian Regional Commission.

"Pryor Field is currently the busiest regional airport in the state, and this is a high priority project," Griffith said.

"Everyone believes that our airports can never be too safe, but our regional airports sometimes get pushed to the back burner. I am glad Pryor has received this funding."

He said the commission's grant will help the county share information with all its departments and save $87,000 annually in inmate transport costs.