The city of Anniston has been awarded almost $18.5 million through the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to improve the primary runway at Anniston Regional Airport in support of the Anniston Army Depot.
The grant will fund approximately 96.9% of the more than $19 million project.
“We have been working really hard to reimagine what our Anniston Regional Airport can be, not just for Anniston, but for this entire region,” said Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston. “Our relationship with the Anniston Army Depot and Anniston Munitions has played an enormous role in that. We are working to make sure our airport is sustainable, economically viable and able to support the needs of our community and our defense partners.”
Anniston Regional Airport is a state-certified, unlimited-use general aviation facility located near Interstate 20 and highways 431, 21 and 78. Its existing asphalt runway measures 7,002 feet long and 150 feet wide. The airport also features more than 500,000 square feet of paved apron and ramp space, with services including hangars, aircraft tie-downs, flight instruction and aviation fuel. The federal award will help the city improve the existing infrastructure.
To the north, Huntsville International Airport received $2 million through the 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which helps launch phase one of the West Aviation development.
The $2 million appropriation will fund the initial land development phase to the west of West Runway 18R/36L, allowing the airport to recruit aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul companies. Long-term plans call for the development to mirror HSV’s busy cargo complex on the East Runway 18L/36R.
“This funding not only drives development to our west but aligns with the city of Huntsville’s strategy to deliver essential infrastructure, including the planned relocation of County Line Road that supports our community’s long-term industrial growth,” said Butch Roberts, CEO of Huntsville International Airport. “Securing these funds allows us to build our capacity to attract high-value aircraft maintenance and overhaul operations, and create new, skilled jobs right here in our community.”
