The money will allow officials to smooth out, level and repave the current runway, Clay County Commission Chairman Kevin Kiser said. He said a dedicated airport committee helped plan the project to ensure it would be “shovel ready” for the funding.
Kiser said the resurfacing project is one of many improvements county officials have been working to get for the airport for years. Future projects include building new hangars and possibly selling fuel at the airport to increase traffic, Kiser said.
“I want it to generate revenue for the county,” he said.
Kiser envisions the airport as one day spawning an “aviation community” in the form of car rental agencies, mechanic shops and other businesses that tailor to people passing through via aircraft. He said the airport is primarily used by local businesses to fly in employees or needed materials.
“It’s not the economic engine that it could be,” Kiser said.
The money is just some of the $12.2 million Department of Transportation officials will dole out to 10 airports in the state. The Northeast Alabama Regional Airport at Gadsden also was awarded $374,593 for improvements.
