By Martin Swant
Huntsville, Alabama — Huntsville International Airport has won a $7.5-million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to widen its taxiways.
Ray LaHoodRay LaHood is U.S. Transportation Secretary. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
“This funding will help improve Huntsville International Airport’s infrastructure and will keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently through Alabama,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a prepared statement. “Making important investments in our aviation system promotes safety and economic growth in communities across the country.”
The grant, part of $3.35 billion in funding through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, will fund the completion of taxiway widening on the west side of the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. It will also provide funding to design taxiways and blast pads — paved areas at runway ends that prevent erosion from jet exhaust — on the airport’s east side. Construction will begin this month and take about eight months. More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP funding.
“This grant enhances the operational safety and efficiency of the airport which allows continued quality service to its passengers,” Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in the statement.
http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/09/huntsville_international_airpo_3.html