>> BALDWIN COUNTY
The Baldwin County Regional Airport closed on Nov. 21 and will not be reopening until Jan. 7th.
The airport is currently undergoing a resurfacing project that will repave the runway which is 5,509 feet in length and 100 feet in width. The project cost $2.2 million dollars and 95% of the cost will be covered by federal and state grants.
“Baldwin County’s match is $110,000,” said Carlos Tobar, county manager. “That amount and more is generated from airport leases and airplane taxes.”
There is notice that the airport is closed and there are two 100-foot X-marks on the end of each runway to let aircraft pilots know that landing is not permitted. However, military and medical helicopters are still allowed to arrive for fuel. There is a separate area for landing and fueling helicopters.
“Baldwin County is receiving many inquiries from businesses throughout the east coast who want to locate here,” said Tobar. “Having an airport with a newly resurfaced runway indicates the county’s interest and investment in providing an excellent regional airport which should lead to more planes being housed here. That will bring in additional revenue for the airport and, hopefully, bring in businesses.”
The runway project should be completed by the reopening of the airport on Jan. 7. Beyond this project, over the next six years, there are plans to expand the terminal apron, improve the parallel taxiway, create more space for hangars and improve lighting.