The ALDOT Aeronautics bureau grant program does more than distribute funds, it carefully coordinates a process that helps Alabama’s airports grow and meet the needs of their local communities.
At the heart of this effort is the annual airport funding cycle. Developed with input from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport directors and engineering consultants, this cycle keeps projects on track and uses funding efficiently.
Here’s how the cycle works:
- May: The bureau and FAA hold a midyear planning meeting to review the progress on Alabama airport projects funded in previous years and discuss each airport’s capital improvement plan to identify potential projects for funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
- June: A “call for projects” letter goes out, signaling the start of the funding cycle. Airports work with engineering consultants to select their top projects.
- July–August: Bureau staff meet with airports and consultants to align project requests with funding strategies.
- September: Airports submit preapplications with project details and cost estimates.
- October–November: The bureau and FAA review applications and send out “go letters” announcing which projects will be funded.
- Spring: Airports submit official grant applications based on bids received.
Throughout the process, bureau staff provide hands-on support by reviewing contracts, participating in scoping and preconstruction meetings and inspecting final projects to ensure safety and quality.
It is a continuous cycle. While one year’s projects move into construction, the planning process for the next round is already underway. Thanks to this teamwork, Alabama’s airports can grow in a thoughtful, efficient and community-focused way.
