The Mobile Airport Authority has accepted a grant offer for $9.1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the rehabilitation of Runway 14/32 at the Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM).
The project includes milling and resurfacing across the runway, upgraded lighting, and pavement marking. The improvements are expected to start this March/April and be finished by the end of 2021.
The grant is being funded as part of the supplemental funding provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020.
“We are grateful for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby’s support and his commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of airports across the state,” said Chris Curry, Mobile Airport Authority President. “This project will allow us to further our mission of providing premium air-service to the residents of Mobile and Baldwin County in a safe and secure manner.”
Runway 14/32 is the primary runway at BFM, and it serves the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, which includes the Airbus Final Assembly Line facility, VTMAE MRO facilities, Signature Flight FBO, and Terminal One.
The runway was originally constructed in 1929 and extended in 1955. It’s been rehabilitated and upgraded several times since then, most recently in 2005.
The Mobile Airport Authority owns and operates Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) and the Brookley Aeroplex generating $1.8 Billion in economic value for the state of Alabama. Mobile Regional Airport is served by Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines providing service to four major hubs: Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte and Houston. MOB is also home to Airbus Space and Defense. BFM is located next to the Port of Mobile and the unparalleled geographical location supports the Authority’s multimodal ability to bring maritime, rail trucking and aviation together in one location. BFM also serves as home to Airbus Final Assembly Line, Airbus Engineering, ST Aerospace and Continental Motors. The Brookley Aeroplex is an industrial complex that supports the operation of BFM and is home to more than 90 businesses that include supply chain providers and others that support the transportation industry.
