ALDOT Allocates $73 Million for Airport Upgrades

The Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program combines state, airport, and federal dollars to fund runway, taxiway, and apron work at airports in five counties.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Air Travel

Wide editorial photograph of a flat regional airfield with a runway edge, taxiway, hangar, and a small parked propeller aircraft under overcast daylight, with a pine tree line at the horizon. — The Alabama Department of Transportation has allocated more than $73 million for runway, taxiway, and apron upgrades at airports in five counties, including Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, and Mobile. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support state spending of $73 million on local airport improvements?

The Alabama Department of Transportation has allocated more than $73 million to airport improvements across the state. The funding combines $12.1 million from the state, $7.3 million from airports, and $53.6 million in federal funds.

Why it matters

The projects target runway, taxiway, and apron work at airports in Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, and Mobile counties, affecting facilities that serve Alabama residents and visitors. Airport infrastructure upgrades of this scale shape the capacity and safety of regional air service.

The $73 million package is largest in federal share at $53.6 million, with Jeremiah Denton Airport slated for $896,637 to build 1,500 feet of seawall enabling a runway 12/30 extension. The Southwest Alabama Regional Airport Phase 5 work receives $1.29 million.

The players

Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)

The state agency responsible for planning, building, and maintaining Alabama's transportation infrastructure, including its airport improvement funding program.

The details

Bay Minette Municipal Airport will receive $157,895 for construction and extension of a taxi lane serving hangars, while Atmore Municipal Airport has two projects totaling $271,654. Evergreen Regional Airport is set to receive a combined $3.05 million for an apron expansion and rehabilitation of a parallel taxiway.

November 5, 2026: ALDOT published the airport funding announcement.

Roadmap

The allocation applies the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program's combined state, airport, and federal funding model to a batch of individual airport projects. The projects reflect ongoing state investment in regional airport capacity across southern Alabama.

Travelers flying from airports in Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Mobile, or Clarke counties may see construction activity as these runway, taxiway, and apron projects proceed. Checking with individual airports before travel can help confirm any closures or schedule changes.

The takeaway

State funding for airport projects depends on combining state, local, and federal dollars, so the scope of improvements can vary widely from one facility to the next. Following ALDOT announcements can help travelers anticipate upgrades at the airports they use.