U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) recently announced that the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $57,455 to the Andalusia-Opp Airport Authority for taxiway rehabilitation at South Alabama Regional Airport at Bill Benton Field.

Misty Jones, SARA interim director, said the funding is the FAA’s Phase 1 commitment to the airport’s AIP projects.

“The taxiway that services our aircraft hangars has needed rehabilitation for quite some time,” Jones said. “This grant will allow us to begin that process.”

Shelby, who is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, “Investing in the infrastructure of Alabama’s local airports will not only provide the safest and most efficient transportation services for Alabamians, but will ensure that the area remains desirable for residents and businesses.”

Jones said the Airport Authority would like to express appreciation to Sen. Shelby, Alabama Speaker of the House Seth Hammett, the FAA, State Aeronautics Bureau, the cities of Andalusia and Opp and the Covington County Commission for their continued support of the South Alabama Regional Airport.

“It is and always will be a team effort among these groups to continue the growth and success the airport has seen over the last 20 years,” she said.