Another Federal Grant Fuels Tuscaloosa National’s Facelift

With help from Uncle Sam, Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL) continues to upgrade and modernize. The airport is one of eight airports in Alabama to split $15-plus million in federal grant money for facility upgrades.

Tuscaloosa National will receive $435,730 from the U-S Transportation Department for apron construction. It is part of Tuscaloosa National’s nearly $45 million in major upgrades to modernize its facilities and support the potential return of commercial air service to West Alabama.

There are several parts to the ongoing upgrade work:

•   In May, the city broke ground on a nearly $23 million project to extend Runway 4-22 by 1,100 feet. This expansion, which includes lighting and electrical upgrades, is designed to accommodate larger aircraft and support long-term economic development safely.
• The airport received $8.5 million in federal funding for the 1971-era terminal alongside a $13 million contribution from the city. These upgrades aim to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate TSA and potential Homeland Security border patrol, with demolition or partial renovation of the terminal building in the planning phases.
• In March,  the City Council also approved the installation of new FAA communication equipment to support the airport's growing air traffic numbers.

The airport began as a pilot training facility during World War II and was acquired by the city at the end of the war. Since that time, it has played a vital role in the growth of Tuscaloosa. According to the city's website, the 826-acre airport is home to 110 aircraft spread throughout its 62 hangars.

TCL is widely recognized as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the Southeast, a result of corporate charters, private aviation, and heavy traffic to support The University of Alabama and football home game air traffic.