Eight Alabama airports will receive more than $8.29 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, according to U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL).

The grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation are funded to support construction, safety advances, equipment and land acquisition.

“I am proud our state is receiving $8.29 million in FAA grant funding to advance airport infrastructure throughout Alabama,” said Shelby in a release from his office. “These grants are important investments in the safety, security and growth of our local airports, which contribute to the state’s overall economic success. The improvements will support rural development and the quality of travel in Alabama. I look forward to their implementation and lasting benefits.”

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The grants amounting to $8,296,066 included the following airport projects:

Evergreen Regional Airport-Middleton Field, Evergreen, Alabama – $743,933 to rehabilitate a taxiway

H.L. (Sonny) Callahan Airport, Fairhope, Alabama – $150,000 to acquire land for development

Huntsville Executive Airport-Tom Sharp Jr. Field, Huntsville, Alabama – $1,786,598 to conduct an airport-related environmental study and rehabilitate a runway

Mobile Downtown Airport, Mobile, Alabama – $4,844,123 to rehabilitate an apron

Robbins Field Airport, Oneonta, Alabama – $85,469 to conduct an airport related environmental study and improve drainage and erosion control

Scottsboro Municipal Airport-Word Field, Scottsboro, Alabama – $94,906 to acquire land for development

Shelby County Airport, Alabaster, Alabama – $401,186 to construct, modify, improve and rehabilitate a hangar

Wetumpka Municipal Airport, Wetumpka, Alabama – $189,851 to mark, light and remove an obstruction and acquire easement for approaches

Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia