U.S. Rep. Dale Strong announced $2 million in federal funding Thursday to help Huntsville International Airport open up a largely undeveloped stretch of its west side for new aviation development.
The funding will advance the airport’s West Aviation development, creating aircraft-accessible sites along its 12,600-foot west runway that airport leaders hope will attract maintenance, repair and overhaul operations and other aviation businesses.
“North Alabama is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and we need the infrastructure to match that growth,” Strong said. “This investment will help Huntsville International Airport expand its footprint, strengthen critical aerospace and defense supply chains, and attract high-value jobs to our community.”
Strong secured the $2 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations process.
Work already underway on Phase 1 will create approximately 200,000 square feet of development pad for future buildings. The newly announced funding will help advance Phase 2, connecting that development to the airport’s runway system with taxiway and ramp infrastructure.
Huntsville International Airport CEO Butch Roberts said opening the west side has been part of the airport’s long-term plans, particularly as available space on the east side has become increasingly limited.
“Our site we’ve got left over there really was for air cargo,” Roberts said. “We’ve actually shoehorned MRO operations into where our cargo ought to be, and this is just going to really open it up.”
Roberts said the combination of available land and direct access to the airport’s 12,600-foot runway creates an unusual economic development opportunity.
“The flexibility we’ll have for large and small projects is just unbelievable,” Roberts said. “No other community that I’m aware of in the United States will have a 12-6 with land adjacent to it that’s been undeveloped, so a great asset for the airport, but more important, a great asset for North Alabama.”
Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority Chairman Joey Ceci said Phase 1 prepares the land for future development, while Strong’s funding will provide the critical connection to the runway.
“What you see is Phase 1 is the actual pad going in for the construction for future buildings,” Ceci said. “Phase 2 and the funding from the congressman today gives us the ability to tie that pad to our runway system.”
That access will allow the airport to recruit businesses looking to service aircraft or establish maintenance operations in North Alabama.
“It’s expanding our ability to bring new jobs to North Alabama,” Ceci said.
Long-term plans for the West Aviation development call for dedicated hangar space and direct taxiway access, creating additional capacity for aviation businesses while freeing up space on the airport’s east side.
Strong said the expansion also addresses a growing demand from companies considering North Alabama.
“That’s why we’re so successful, because we’re forward thinking,” Strong said. “This right here is forward thinking, with acres to expand over the next 100 years.”
He said Huntsville International approached his office with its plans for the development and asked whether federal funding could help move the project forward.
“I can think of no better investment than right here in Huntsville International,” Strong said. “This airport is not just about Huntsville and Madison County. This is a regional airport.”
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