Local airports to get funds for improvements

Local airports to get funds for improvements

Submitted by Nancy W. Wall

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, recently announced the award of funding to three Baldwin County airports and one airport in Clarke County from the U. S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.

The Foley Municipal Airport will receive $284,000 for the installation of approximately 15,500 feet of security fence around the perimeter of the airport. The grant will also fund the installation of area lighting throughout the airport, in order to increase the security of the airfield and the safety of night operations.

The H.L. "Sonny" Callahan Airport in Fairhope will receive $200,001 to fund the construction of three taxiways. The taxiways will facilitate the use of the existing hangars that provide sheltered storage for the aircraft.

The Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores will receive $300,000 to expand the terminal building. The airport is estimated to have an annual air traffic flow at over 60,000 operations this year with passenger enplanements and departures increasing by an estimated 35 percent.

The Jackson Municipal Airport will receive $68,400 for the construction of an aircraft parking apron as well as the installation perimeter fencing.

"I am extremely pleased the FAA has approved this funding for these airports in southwest Alabama," Bonner said. "As an area that is continuing to work to attract new industry and capital investment, improvements at these four airports will provide even greater accessibility to our region."