DECATUR, Ala. — The Pryor Field Regional Airport is gearing up for improvements as Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling announces that U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (AL-5) has secured $3.2 million in federal funding for the airport. This funding, included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, received widespread bipartisan approval in Congress. Rep. Strong played a pivotal role in directing these funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Grants-in-Aid for Airports program, signaling a significant step forward for Pryor Field.
“We are thrilled with this funding, and greatly appreciate Rep. Strong’s work in securing it for us,” Mayor Tab Bowling said. “For our economy to thrive, we need efficient infrastructure for businesses to get goods and people in and out of our area. A strong airport - along with our river, road, and rail connectivity - is another key to Decatur’s economic success.”
Rep. Strong emphasized the importance of the enhancements funded by this allocation, stating, “The enhancements that these funds will provide will enable Pryor Field to better serve the businesses and residents of our growing region.”
Adam Fox, Director of the Pryor Field Airport Authority, also talked about the transformative impact of the funding, noting, '“This funding will allow us to start the first phase of our southeast taxiway, which will allow full access to airport property for future developments. Thanks to Rep. Dale Strong’s leadership, we will be able to better serve businesses looking to call Pryor Field home while helping to creating jobs for North Alabama.”'
Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU), a public-use airport located between Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville, is jointly owned by the cities of Decatur and Athens, as well as the county commissions of Morgan and Limestone County. Managed by the Pryor Field Airport Authority, it plays a role in the region's transportation infrastructure, complementing river, road, and rail connectivity.