City of Tuscaloosa Holds Groundbreaking for Tuscaloosa National Airport Runway Extension

The City of Tuscaloosa held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tuscaloosa National Airport Runway Extension on Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, District 1 Councilor Joe Eatmon and Tuscaloosa National Airport Director Jeff Powell spoke during the ceremony.

"The Tuscaloosa National Airport represents more than convenience or logistics," Mayor Walt Maddox said. "It stands as a symbol of our region's future. It has the potential to serve as a powerful economic engine, not only for the City of Tuscaloosa but for all of West Alabama. The City Council's investment in this project through Elevate Tuscaloosa reflects a commitment to creating new, higher paying jobs for today's workforce and generations to come, and to creating a lasting legacy of economic opportunity for our entire region.

This nearly $22.2 million project will extend Runway 4-22 1,100 feet along with lighting and electrical upgrades to enhance safety, accommodating both current large-aircraft operations and projected future growth, including increased activity. The project is primarily federally funded through the FAA, with a 2.5% match from the State of Alabama and a 2.5% match from the City of Tuscaloosa.

"This is an opportunity for economic development, not only for my district, but for the City of Tuscaloosa as a whole," said Councilor Joe Eatmon.

"Today is a special day for the Tuscaloosa National Airport and for our entire community. The need for the runway extension has been identified time and time again, going back more than 40 years," said Jeff Powell. "This is an investment in infrastructure, an investment in safety, an investment in jobs. It's an investment not just into Tuscaloosa, but into this entire region."

Construction on this Elevate Tuscaloosa project is expected to be complete by summer 2027.