The Alabama Department of Transportation's (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau is preparing for another record year of investment in Alabama's airport system. Recently, ALDOT met with the Federal Aviation Administration's Airports District Office in Jackson, Miss., to begin coordinating fiscal year 2027 airport projects and funding priorities between the two agencies.
FY2027 Planning Process Under Way
Alabama airports received ALDOT's annual "call for projects" letter last month. Updated five-year Airport Capital Improvement Plans (ACIPs) and project pre-applications will be due to the Aeronautics Bureau by late September as part of the annual planning process.
Additional Funding Expands Airport Opportunities
The Alabama Legislature's appropriation of an additional $15 million annually during the past two legislative sessions reflects a strong and sustained commitment to strengthening the state's aviation system. These additional resources significantly enhance ALDOT's ability to provide matching funds for federal grants, expand the statewide airport pavement maintenance program and address critical infrastructure needs at airports across Alabama.
Federal airport grants are being issued earlier in the fiscal year, allowing projects to move forward more efficiently. Combined with increased state funding, ALDOT is now in a much stronger position to support both federally funded projects and initiatives that fall outside traditional federal grant eligibility.
This flexibility allows the Aeronautics Bureau to assist local airports with important development and infrastructure improvements that might otherwise go unfunded, ensuring continued progress throughout Alabama's airport system.
Infrastructure Investments Continue Across Alabama
Recent airport improvements completed across the state continue to demonstrate the impact of these investments. Projects have focused on runway rehabilitation, apron expansions, lighting upgrades and other infrastructure enhancements that improve safety, operational reliability and economic opportunity for local communities.
For more information, visit dot.state.al.us/programs/Aeronautics.html.
