By Staff
Bob Jaques, Hartselle Airport
Workers recently began moving dirt in the first steps toward paving the new apron expansion at Hartselle Airport.
The expansion is needed to provide additional aircraft parking and to decrease congestion in the existing apron parking area due to increased flight operations at the airport.
A $280,000 federal grant was secured for the expansion project through the efforts of Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Alabama, who presented the check to Hartselle officials in August. Mayor Clif Knight, the Hartselle City Council and the Morgan County Commission also provided valuable assistance in qualifying for the grant.
"Quality transportation is key to recruiting new business and economic development to our community," Cramer said.
The work contract was awarded to Lane Construction of Guntersville with an expected completion date within the first quarter of 2004. Once the work is complete, private investors will build new hangers adjacent to the new apron to accommodate some of the approximately 30 pilots who have expressed an interest in basing their aircraft in Hartselle.
The Hartselle Airport is the only community airport in Morgan County and is used by many pilots from across the county and North Alabama.