Gulf Shores accepts $5.3 million for air traffic control tower

City of Gulf Shores • May 28, 2020

First ever Air Traffic Control Tower in Baldwin County

Logo for the city of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Gulf Shores new air traffic control tower

(OBA®) — The Gulf Shores City Council and Gulf Shores Airport Authority in separate actions today approved a grant with the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $5,3 million. The Airport Authority and City credited the perseverance and efforts of Sen.Richard Shelby’s and Rep. Bradley Byrne’s offices to achieve this long-sought goal for the airport.


The airport currently ranks as the second busiest airport in-flight operations (landings and takeoffs) in Alabama and will rank in the top 40 of the 256 Federal Contract Towers nationwide once in operation.


Several FAA offices remarked that JKA set a record for the highest benefit-cost ratio ever seen in the program’s history at 4.18. This means that the benefits of the tower exceed the costs associated by a factor of 4.2. 

 

As a result of “CARES ACT” FAA participation has increased from 90 percent to 100 percent.


“The $700,000 in Airport Authority funds set aside for the tower construction will be reallocated to the future terminal project,” Airport Authority Chairman Vic Roberts said.
Congressman Byrne said; “Jack Edwards National Airport serves one of the fastest growing regions of our state, and the funds that the FAA has approved for this much needed tower will enable the airport to take another step forward in service to its customers and Southwest Alabama’s economy. In years to come, the airport will play an increasingly vital role in the continued development of Baldwin County. I appreciate the FAA approving these funds, and I look forward to continuing to support the airport’s growth.”
 
"Jack Edwards National Airport serves the thriving business and tourism market in Gulf Shores, South Baldwin County, and communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast," Mayor Robert Craft said. "This full service airport is an outstanding asset creating jobs and diversification opportunities for new and existing businesses. Jack Edwards National Airport is vital to the development and continued economic growth of the area and provides a transportation hub for anyone traveling for business, recreation, and/or relaxation."

The project is scheduled to be bid June 18 with bid openings on July 30, 2020. Construction is slated to be complete in May 2021.
 
For more information please contact Scott Fuller by email, sfuller@flyjka.com, or by phone, 251-967-3968.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Treats on the Trail Event Brings Halloween Fun to Orange Beach Sportsplex

Treats on the Trail Event Brings Halloween Fun to Orange Beach Sportsplex

By OBA Staff • October 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is preparing to welcome families to a Halloween celebration one week from tomorrow (Monday). The Coastal Resources Department will host Treats on the Trail at the Orange Beach Sportsplex Trailhead. This family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, games, and...
Seven-Vehicle Crash on Foley Beach Express Leaves One Dead

Seven-Vehicle Crash on Foley Beach Express Leaves One Dead

By OBA Staff • October 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A massive seven-vehicle accident at a busy Foley intersection left one man dead and sent another driver to the hospital. Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash involving multiple vehicles. Officers found extensive damage and began working to piece together what ha
Gulf Shores Restaurants Undergo Genetic Retesting Revealing Shrimp Sourcing Changes

Gulf Shores Restaurants Undergo Genetic Retesting Revealing Shrimp Sourcing Changes

By OBA Staff • October 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Since October of 2024, Alabama has required restaurants and seafood retailers to disclose the country of origin on all seafood sold within the state. Area outlets have since changed their menus and signage to show if their seafood is locally sourced or imported. Since the law was initiated
Downtown Foley

Foley Expands Facade Grant Program to Help More Downtown Properties

By OBA Staff • October 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is making it easier for downtown property owners and business operators to get help fixing up their buildings. The city has been running a program that gives money to people who want to improve how their downtown buildings look from the outside. Now officials have made changes that will...
Orange Beach Fishing Rodeo Returns to Support Local Schools

Orange Beach Fishing Rodeo Returns to Support Local Schools

By OBA Staff • October 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club is hosting the 2nd MAAAC Fall Fishing Rodeo at Orange Beach Marina. Anglers of all skill levels are invited to participate in this community fundraiser. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Orange Beach City Schools. The three-day tournament...
County Road 91 and Hwy 98 in Lillian, Alabama

Baldwin County and State Partner to Install New Traffic Signal in Lillian

By OBA Staff • October 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A new traffic signal will be installed at a busy Baldwin County intersection after local officials approved a funding partnership with the state. The Baldwin County Commission has agreed to split the cost of the project with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Each agency will pay $500,000
Shorty’s Safe Haven Rodeo Rides into Foley to Aid Local Horse Sanctuary

Shorty’s Safe Haven Rodeo Rides into Foley to Aid Local Horse Sanctuary

By OBA Staff • October 22, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Shorty’s Safe Haven Rodeo is set to bring two nights of cowboy action and community spirit to Foley. Organizers say the new event will mix traditional rodeo thrills with family activities. Proceeds will support a local horse sanctuary and youth programs. Residents and visitors will find food,
Foley is adding additional lights at Aaronville Park.

Aaronville Park Gets Brighter With New Sports Lighting Project

By OBA Staff • October 22, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents in southwest Foley will soon have more opportunities to enjoy evening recreation at Aaronville Park. The Foley City Council recently approved plans to install new lighting systems at the park's baseball field and basketball courts. The improvements will allow people to use these...
Orange Beach Event Center

Treasures of the Isle Hosts Spooktacular Costume Event and Drawdown

By OBA Staff • October 22, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The members of the Treasures of the Isle Mardi Gras Krewe are gearing up for their annual Halloween costume party and drawdown event. They invite adults to a night of live music, fun decorations, and cash prizes. The event promises a light buffet, a lively crowd, and a festive spirit at...
Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores

Anglers Gather at Tacky Jacks for Charity Weekend of Fishing

By OBA Staff • October 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The fall fishing community will reel in for a purpose at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores this weekend. Organizers say the two-day tournament welcomes anglers of all skill levels. Veterans and first responders will fish at no cost. Other participants will pay a modest entry fee to compete for cash pr
Show More