Feb. 21--HARTSELLE -- The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Hartselle a $142,500 grant to purchase land in the municipal airport's northern runway glide path.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said four property owners have agreed to sell eight acres.
"This is something the FFA has been trying to get Hartselle to do for a number of years," Tankersley said.
The council is obligated to provide a 5 percent grant match, or $7,500.
Tankersley said Hartselle can apply with the state Aeronautics Bureau to be reimbursed half of this money.
The city sought more than $850,000 in FFA grant money. In addition to purchasing the land, Hartselle applied for grants to construct hangars and replace the aging runway lighting system at Rountree Field.
Those grant applications are pending, the mayor said.
