Gadsden, AL – The following announcement was released by the Gadsden Airport Authority on Friday, June 17:

At its regular monthly meeting, the Gadsden Airport Authority, along with the Alabama National Guard, announced its intention to expand and strengthen the runway at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport to a length of 11,000 feet.

The expansion will allow the Guard to significantly expand its presence at the airport and will expand the airport's ability to service air freight operations. In addition to the runway expansion, the project will also include upgrades and additions to the airport's fuel farm.

The Guard, GAA and City of Gadsden have worked diligently on this project for several months and look forward to the continuation of the relationship between all three entities. This is a win for all those involved and will not only allow additional Guard presence but will also allow the GAA to expand services for private pilots and industry.

The City of Gadsden has released the following statement:

The City of Gadsden is proud to be working together with the Gadsden Airport Authority and the Alabama National Guard to bring this important project to the airport at the request of the Guard. All three entities are also working on securing funding for the project.

The expansion will increase training opportunities for the Guard, directly and indirectly bring jobs to the community, and increase the potential for growth at the airport. The GAA and City have been working with the Guard for years to increase their presence at the airport, and this is another step forward.