Shelby Announces $20.8M in FAA Funding for Local Airport Improvements

Press Release

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that five local airports across the state of Alabama will receive $20.8 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation for various airport improvements to support infrastructure construction, safety advances, and equipment acquisition.

"This FAA funding will significantly improve the functionality, safety, and efficiency of these airports," said Senator Shelby. "It is vital that we continue to make important infrastructure investments in Alabama to ensure the growth of local communities and future economic success. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact that these aviation advancements will have on our state."

The Fiscal Year 2018 (FY2018) Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which was passed and signed into law last year, provided FAA an additional $1 billion in discretionary grants. The grants -- which range from $8.1 million for the Lanett Municipal Airport to $1.04 million for the Scottsboro Municipal-Word Field Airport -- represent the second round of funding of the initial appropriation. Senator Shelby chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which authored and advanced the FY2018 measure that included these FAA grant resources.

The five FAA grants, totaling $20,827,532, will support the following airport projects in Alabama:

Lanett Municipal Airport, Lanett, Alabama -- $8,100,000 for the extension of a runway
Centre-Piedmont-Cherokee County Regional Airport, Centre, Alabama -- $5,552,000 for construction of a taxiway
Franklin Field Airport, Union Springs, Alabama -- $3,866,048 for construction of a runway
Vaiden Field Airport, Marion, Alabama -- $2,262,634 for the continuation of construction on a parallel taxiway
Scottsboro Municipal-Word Field Airport, Scottsboro, Alabama -- $1,046,850 for the rehabilitation of an apron

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