Today, the Bessemer Airport Authority (BAA) announced that it has secured $4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) to fund the renovation, modernization and potential expansion of the Bessemer National Airport’s (EKY) primary large-aircraft parking apron.

Bessemer National Airport to receive a critical upgrade

Located at 900 Mitchell Field Rd, the Bessemer National Airport is a city-owned airport, public use airport that serves a wide range of users, including:

Corporate aviators
Emergency medical flights
Law enforcement and military training
Hurricane evacuation operations
Athletic teams and fans
Recreational general aviation

Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reclassified the Bessemer Municipal Airport from Regional to National status, a significant development in the airport’s role in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). To help supports its long-term infrastructure plan and the establishment of a modern, FEMA-compliant Terminal/FBO facility, the Bessemer National Airport has secured $4 million to renovate an area of the parking apron frequently used by larger aircraft.

“These apron improvements are essential to EKY’s mission as an FAA-designated reliever airport and to our vision for the future. This project directly supports safe aircraft operations, protects valuable aviation assets, and enables the growth of the EKY and supports the future development of the EKY AeroPlex Technology Park. We deeply appreciate the support of our congressional delegation.”
Karen Wadlington, Board President, Birmingham Airport Authority

In addition to the pavement renovation, the Bessemer National Airport anticipates relocating the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) to another location in order to unlock future hanger development opportunities near the renovated apron.

According to a press release from the Bessemer Airport Authority, the funding for the renovation was secured through the support of U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt.

“This is a major win for the City of Bessemer. Renovating the apron ensures safer operations today while laying the foundation for transformative improvements, including the new terminal building and expanded aviation services. We are grateful for the support of Senators Tuberville and Britt in securing this investment.”
Mayor Kenneth E. Gully, City of Bessemer

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