The Fairhope Airport Authority to accept $2.9 Million in Grant Funding
City of Fairhope
FAIRHOPE -- The Fairhope City Council accepted a resolution at last night’s council meeting for the Fairhope Airport Authority to accept $2.9 million in grant funding for the construction of an additional taxi way and apron at the H.L. "Sonny” Callahan Airport in Fairhope. Referred to as the "east side project,” the construction is phase three of ongoing expansion and upgrades at the airport, according to Airport Authority Chairman Joe McEnerney. "Our work on this was to prove to the FAA that we have a good project that deserves the funding, and we do. Once the city gives us approval to accept the grant, we should see the money and start work very soon.”
The new grant is part of approximately $9 million in improvements that have been ongoing at the airport. "These improvements will open up the east side of the airport property to expansion and development,” McEnerney said. "We already have commitments for two or three large hangers to be built there as soon as we provide the runway access. And of course we’re looking for additional business that needs runway access.”
According to information from the Airport Authority, total project cost is expected to be $3,154,876.00. Funding assistance includes a $2,839,388.00 request from the Federal Aviation Administration, $157,774.00 from the State of Alabama Department of Transportation, and a $157,774.00 match from the Fairhope Airport Authority, which has already accumulated and set aside its local matching share. McEnerney noted that the Airport Authority takes in approximately $215,000 a year in revenue from fuel sales and rents.
City Council Member Jack Burrell said that the airport includes approximately 250 acres that can be developed under light industrial zoning. "We’re looking for light industry to provide high-tech, high-paying jobs, with a focus on aviation work. That’s what we’ve been growing towards.”
Several weeks ago, Continental Motors Group, which currently has a facility at the Fairhope Airport for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft engines, announced that it was closing its facility in San Antonio, Texas, and consolidating manufacturing operations into its advanced manufacturing centers, including the facility at the Fairhope airport.
"The east-side improvements and development could include a new business to repair or do maintenance or testing on aircraft engines or an expansion by Continental, and we certainly would welcome that type of business,” Burrell said.

- JAN. 2019 - 2019 Baldwin County Career & Job Fair
- NOV. 2018 - 2018 Annual Award Nominations
- NOV. 2018 - City of Fairhope Holds Visual Preference Survey Process to Gather Feedback for Future Development
- NOV. 2018 - Hatch Fairhope Announces Grand Opening
- OCT. 2018 - YOUTH LEADERSHIP BLOG: History & Geography Day
- SEP. 2018 - Alliance Publishing Group Named Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month
- JUL. 2018 - Eastern Shore Chamber Unveils the Featured Artwork for the 30th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts
- JUN. 2018 - Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Wins Communications Excellence Award for Eastern Shore Elf Campaign
- JUN. 2018 - Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Publishes Updated Election Guide for Primary Runoff Races
- MAY. 2018 - 2018 Primary Election Guide
- MAY. 2018 - Old Tyme Feed: May Small Business of the Month
- MAR. 2018 - 2018 Annual Award Winners
- JAN. 2018 - A New Year: Where We've Been & Where We're Going
- SEP. 2017 - The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Parts Ways with the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival Foundation
- DEC. 2016 - Fairhope Music Opens New Location
- DEC. 2016 - Brandy Rhodes Coaching Now Open in Fairhope
- NOV. 2016 - Congressman Bradley Byrne Addresses Business Community Following the Presidential Election
- SEP. 2016 - Chamber to Offer Leadership Workshop for Members
- SEP. 2016 - Chamber Young Professionals to Host a Cornhole Tournament to Benefit the Spanish Fort Public Library
- JUL. 2016 - The Eastern Shore Guide to the 4th of July
- MAY. 2016 - May Newsletter
- APR. 2016 - Fairhope Resident Named SCORE Mentor of the Year
- APR. 2016 - The April 2016 Newsletter
- MAR. 2016 - Ribbon Cut for AltaWorx
- MAR. 2016 - Spring 2016 Youth Leadership Applications
- FEB. 2016 - Specialized Therapy Services Opens in Fairhope
- FEB. 2016 - ESCoC Governmental Affairs Survey Results
- SEP. 2015 - Joe Hudson’s Collision Center
- SEP. 2015 - BenchMark Physical Therapy
- SEP. 2015 - Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Café
- SEP. 2015 - Shux on the Pier
- SEP. 2015 - Tourism Executive Of The Year Award
- SEP. 2015 - The 27th Anniversary Jubilee Festival
- SEP. 2015 - Youth Leadership 14th Annual Seven-Month Program
- JUL. 2015 - January 2015 Morning Marketing Release
- APR. 2015 - Eastern Shore Magazine 2015
- FEB. 2015 - EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER EGGS N’ ISSUES
- SEP. 2014 - EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER HONORS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD WINNER Tree Planted at Christ the King School
- SEP. 2014 - EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER EGGS N’ ISSUES June 10 TOPIC: “Economic Update for Baldwin County”
- SEP. 2014 - EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER TO HOLD CANDIDATES FORUM - For Baldwin County Commissioner Candidates
- Jun. 2014 - Eggs n' Issues
- Apr. 2014 - Candidates Forum
- Apr. 2014 - Eggs n' Issues
- Apr. 2014 - Celebrate the Arts
- Mar. 2014 - Eggs n' Issues
- Mar. 2014 - 30th Prayer Breakfast
- Mar. 2014 - Leadership Applications
- Mar. 2014 - Council Lucheon
- Feb. 2014 - Update on I-10 Bridge
- Jan. 2014 - Update on I-10 Bridge
- Nov. 2013 - Eggs N' Issues - Onespot
- Oct. 2013 - Student Art Competition
- Oct. 2013 - E.S.C. Seeks Local Artists
- Oct. 2013 - Candidate Forum Release
- Oct. 2013 - What's Going On in AL Legislature
- Jul.2013 - Mardi Gras Schedule - 2014