H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport in Fairhope has been awarded $87,169 in state and federal funds to construct a paved parking lot for a new terminal.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced July 2 it has awarded over $100,000 in state funding to two municipal airports for improvements, H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport in Fairhope and Shelby County Airport.

The Fairhope airport was awarded $82,581 from the Federal Aviation Administration and $4,588 from a state grant to construct a 13,500-square-foot paved parking lot for a new terminal. The City of Fairhope will contribute $4,588 in matching local funds for a total value project of $91,757.

The grants were made possible through ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program. Through the program, ALDOT can provide financial assistance, engineering or technical services to airport owners regarding the acquisition, construction, expansion, maintenance or operation of public airport facilities.

According to a news release, ALDOT anticipates awarding approximately $8 million in to local airports across the state during the 2024 fiscal year.

This funding comes on the heels of an April announcement by Mayor Sherry Sullivan that the city would receive $3 million in congressionally directed funding as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, signed into law March 9.

The boost comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is designated for the H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport.

The federal funding is a strategic investment to improve street, water and sewer infrastructure on light industrial land adjacent to the airport. These enhancements are deemed vital for the continued growth and development of the airport. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) and Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01) played roles in securing these funds.