Huntsville International Airport to receive $10 million in federal grants

Travelers in the Huntsville area have something to celebrate this week, as the Huntsville International Airport — the largest airport in north Alabama — will receive $10 million in federal grants for upgrades and improvements.

The money is part of the $1 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminal Program.

What HSV plans to do with the funds

These days, $10 million doesn’t go very far when it comes to revamping an airport, but officials with the airport in Huntsville said they have projects ready to go upon receipt of the federal funds.

HSV was eligible for the BIL funds because it is operated by an airport authority, the Port of Huntsville. According to the FAA, the BIL grants can be used to fund projects that will improve airfield safety through terminal relocation, replace aging facilities, increase capacity, encourage competition, improve energy efficiency and increase or improve access to passengers with disabilities and historically disadvantaged populations.

Projects that relocate, reconstruct, repair or improve an airport-owned air traffic control tower are also eligible. Airport officials in Huntsville say that ADA compliance (elevators, escalators) and energy efficiency are among the top priorities at HSV.

“The BIL grant will allow us to make improvements to our terminal and concourse areas that will benefit families and provide individuals with better accessibility than we currently are able to provide. These enhancements will also improve energy efficiency and achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for individuals with access and functional needs.”

Butch Roberts, Huntsville International Airport CEO

Much-needed grant money going to airports nationwide

The funds available come at a time when the air travel industry has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and is just now coming up for air, so to speak. Smaller airports like HSV can make this grant money go a long way.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build safer and more sustainable airports that connect individuals to jobs and communities to the world. With this new funding, urban, regional and rural airports across the country now can get to work on projects that have waited for years, modernizing their infrastructure and building a better America.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

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