Congress announced last week that the St. Clair County International Airport will receive an $81,700 federal grant for a drainage improvement project.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a total of $7,655,565 to 34 regional airports in Alabama for infrastructure improvements.

Manager Terry Capps said that the drainage problem in the median between two strips at the airport has been an issue for some time. Surveyors are now in the process of starting the initial work that needs to be done before a solution is put into place.

Last year the airport was resurfaced and Capps said that it contributed to more drainage problems. He said that with more concrete and asphalt on the runway that water has to drain off and this grant should help to alleviate the problems.

“We’ve had water backup problems for a long time and it’s just getting worse and worse,” Capps said.

Legislators weighed in on the effect the federal dollars would have.

“Investing in the infrastructure of Alabama’s regional airports will not only provide the safest and most efficient transportation services for Alabamians, but also ensure that the area remains desirable for residents and businesses,” said Senator Richard Shelby. “This grant will provide funding to help Alabama’s regional airports make improvements that are necessary to accommodate those traveling to, from, and through our great state.”

The award from the Federal Aviation Administration will provide funding for airport drainage improvements to prevent surface flooding.

“The St. Clair County International Airport is important to its local users and economic development in the area. It is vital to keep the airport modern and safe, and I am pleased to support this worthy infrastructure project,” said Congressman Spencer Bachus.

The St. Clair Airport provides commercial corporate and general aviation services. It is located three miles southeast of Pell City.

Traffic flow has been steady at the airport, Capps said. “Corporate travel is off a little bit, mainly due to the down economy and not as many people are traveling to the area to scout new places and there are people have businesses here in Pell City who fly in; but not as much with economy off a little bit.” 

The wet, cold winter had travel down as well, but Capps added that last weekend saw a good number of people flying out of St. Clair County.

The airport recently put in self-served fuel, allowing pilots to gas up 24/7. The pumps work like those at a typical gas station with credit card payment options for the 10,000-gallon tanks.

The airport is hoping to plan for a second part of federal aviation stimulus money to come through later this year, which would allow for new taxiway and runway lights.

“The feds are giving two-part grants this year for runways,” Capps noted. The second part was received within the last three months and that allowed new precision approach lights to be installed.

Other area airports receiving funding from the federal grant included Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, which received $1,435,579 to acquire safety equipment and improve runway safety. Talladega Municipal Airport received $75,000 for apron rehabilitation.