The South Alabama Regional Airport is one of six Alabama airports set to share in more than $1.7 million in Federal Aviation Administration funds for infrastructure improvements.

The announcement was made Wednesday by both Sen. Richard Shelby and Congressman Bobby Bright.

SARA was awarded $86,676 to form an updated airport layout plan and create a design for perimeter fencing.

“For quite some time the airport has needed security fencing to aid in reducing wildlife issues and increasing airport safety,” said Misty Jones, SARA’s co-executive director.

“Due to its costly nature, this will be a multi-phase project over the next several years, and this grant will allow the airport to begin the process of designing, surveying and installing perimeter fencing as well as updating our airport layout plan.”

Jones said these projects would not be possible without the support of Congressman Bright, the FAA, the State Aeronautics Bureau, Covington County Commission and the cities of Opp and Andalusia.

-Stephanie Nelson