By james art U.S. Rep. Terry Sewell, AL-07, announced Wednesday that Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and Montgomery Regional Airport will each receive $5 million, for a total of $10 million in federal funding, to improve airport infrastructure. Funding for these grants comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
“I am thrilled to welcome $10 million in federal funding to improve the Birmingham and Montgomery airports!” celebrated Representative Sewell. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, bipartisan infrastructure legislation is once again delivering results for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District by investing in airport facilities that will improve travel for those who visit and live in our communities.”
In Birmingham, this grant will be used to rehabilitate 10 restrooms and a service animal area at the airport to improve the airport’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“I am extremely grateful to the federal government, Congressman Terry Sewell and all of our elected leaders for helping the airport secure this grant so we can continue to provide the quality service our customers expect and deserve,” said Ron Mathieu, President and Chief Executive of Birmingham Airports Authority. “This special $5 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act will allow us to make improvements to many of our public restrooms and the service animal assistance area in the terminal – all ADA compliant.”
In Montgomery, this funding will be used to replace the baggage check-in system and escalator, which have reached the end of their useful lives.
“Thank you to the FAA for recognizing the importance of this project to improving the passenger experience in Montgomery,” said Robert H. Gould, chairman of the Montgomery Airport Authority.
“I would like to express my gratitude to our entire federal delegation, including Congresswoman Sewell, the FAA and the MGM board for their unwavering efforts in supporting Alabama’s air transportation requirements,” said Wade A. Davis, CM, MGM CEO. “This project will improve capacity and provide significant benefits to regional air travelers for many years to come.”
President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill includes $25 billion in airport improvements like those funded in Birmingham and Montgomery. The Airport Improvement Program provides grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signs, airport lighting and airport markings, all of which strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure.