Cullman Regional Airport

The Cullman Regional-Folsom Field Airport is in line for a major improvement after it was awarded a federal grant.

The grant, for $1,543,500, will allow reconstruction of 3,950 feet of the existing parallel taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life; and funds the third phase, which includes reconstruction of 2,264 feet of the north parallel taxiway, according to releases from U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Doug Jones.

“Our Achilles heel has always been the taxiway, because it is too light, not matching up with the runway and apron,” said airport Director Ben Harrison.

Harrison said the improvement will open up new possibilities for the airport in the future.

Improving the taxiway will make a major difference for heavier airplanes, which when the work is completed, will be able to turn 180 degrees, without assistance, and go straight to the runway.

“In the past, with some aircraft, we’ve had to physically assist in getting them turned around because of the limitation of space and the weight issues on the taxiway,” Harrison said. “This will be a major improvement for the airport and our users.”

This grant funds the third phase, which includes reconstruction of 2,264 feet of the north parallel taxiway.

Cullman Regional-Folsom Field Airport is a general aviation airport, designated as regional, as defined in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) report.

Local officials consider the airport as a valuable resource for continued and future economic growth. With the improvements, the grounds could also be more attractive for specialized aviation businesses or industries to locate there.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.