WASHINGTON – As work continues on three projects at Huntsville International Airport, including the renovation of its main concourse, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong announced a federal grant that will help fund the improvements.
Strong (R-Monrovia) said a new Federal Aviation Administration grant for $7 million will go toward terminal improvements at the airport. That will cover more than half of the concourse refurbishment’s price tag of $13 million.
“We are grateful to Congressman Dale Strong for understanding the transportation needs of our growing community and for the support that these grant funds represent,” said Butch Roberts, CEO of The Port of Huntsville, of which Huntsville International Airport is an operating entity. “This $7 million will go a long way in helping us enhance our terminal restrooms and improve the comfort of our passengers in our airport.”
The grant funds were awarded from the Fiscal Year 2024 Airport Terminal Program. The grant will fund eligible portions of renovations at the airport such as the expansion of the concourse for new ADA compliant restrooms, a new nursing room, terminal escalators, and expansion of the terminal public area near the ticket counters.
“The FAA’s continued investment in Huntsville International will greatly improve travelers’ experience as they come and go from North Alabama’s airport,’’ Strong said in a statement. “It is crucial that the airport continue supporting economic development efforts and serve as a reliable transportation hub for those in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.”
Construction firm Robins & Morton is also leading the renovation and expansion of Signature Aviation’s private terminal that will serve private, corporate, and government aviation customers.
Additionally, work has started on converting a parking lot into a rental car return lot. The project will include a new entrance and the addition of two canopies, one for the rental car facility and another to cover a walkway for customers.
Huntsville International Airport was recently recognized as the No. 2 Best Small Airport in the U.S. Huntsville is the fastest-growing metro area in Alabama and is the state’s largest city.
Strong’s announcement follows a $4.1 million grant award he secured for Huntsville International in November.
The Concourse Restroom Renovation and Expansion project will replace existing mid-concourse restrooms with new ADA-compliant restrooms that prioritize functionality, inclusivity and sustainability and feature LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
Additionally, the restroom expansion will include a family restroom with infant facilities, a companion care room with assisted adult facilities, and a lactation suite. Construction is expected to begin in April and last 10 months. During the construction phase, existing restrooms in the southern portion of the terminal will remain for use.
The FAA oversees the $5 billion Airport Terminal Program grant distribution program which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
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