Area airport projects to get federal funds

Four airports in southwest Alabama will share more than $3.2 million in new Federal Aviation Administration grants, U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner's office said Tuesday.

Bonner, R-Mobile, said the projects take on increased importance now that German steelmaker ThyssenKrupp AG has selected north Mobile County for a new $3.7 billion plant.

"Just this month, our area learned we will be the site of the largest economic development project in the United States," Bonner said in a news release announcing the money, "and improvements to our area airports will provide even greater accessibility to our region."

The FAA will fund:

$2.44 million for the Mobile Regional Airport to work on access roads and terminal remodeling, including work on a sprinkler system, replacing lighting fixtures and building a new exterior stairwell.

$289,750 for the Atmore Municipal Airport to buy property for runway protection zones.

$450,000 for the Dauphin Island Airport to buy property for a runway protection zone for runway 30.

$100,000 for the Bay Minette Municipal Airport to install a security fence.