DECATUR – The Decatur economy is taking off and a key asset has been the expansion of Pryor Field Regional Airport.
Now, thanks to a $3.2 million federal grant, a major project will no longer be in a holding pattern.
“We are thrilled with this funding, and greatly appreciate Rep. Strong’s work in securing it for us,” said Mayor Tab Bowling. “For our economy to thrive, we need efficient infrastructure for businesses to get goods and people in and out of our area.
“A strong airport – along with our river, road, and rail connectivity – is another key to Decatur’s economic success.”
The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which passed both houses of Congress with large bipartisan majorities and signed into law by President Biden over the weekend.
Rep. Dale Strong secured the funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Grants-in-Aid for Airports program, via congressionally directed spending as part of the federal appropriations process.
“I’m honored to work to secure funds for key projects and initiatives throughout North Alabama,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). “The enhancements that these funds will provide will enable Pryor Field to better serve the businesses and residents of our growing region.”
Pryor Field Airport Authority Director Adam Fox said the airport’s growth contributes to adding jobs in the region.
“This funding will allow us to start the first phase of our southeast taxiway, which will allow full access to airport property for future developments,” Fox said. “Thanks to Rep. Dale Strong’s leadership, we will be able to better serve businesses looking to call Pryor Field home while helping to creating jobs for North Alabama.”
Pryor Field Regional Airport is a public-use airport, centrally located between the tri-cities of Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville. Less than 3 miles from the I-65/I-565 interchange, the airport is owned by the cities of Decatur and Athens and the county commissions of Morgan and Limestone County. It is managed by the Pryor Field Airport Authority.
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