G.S. awarded $2.14 million grant for aircraft apron pads

G.S. awarded $2.14 million grant for aircraft apron pads

Economic development grant is from Growing Al. Tax Credit Program

The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded $2,140,570 through the Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program to prepare 10 acres of airport property and construct two aircraft apron pads totaling 121,500 square feet advance major site development at Gulf Shores International Airport.
Grants totalling $20 million were awarded to 10 economic development organizations across the state to help ready industrial sites for new investments and high-quality jobs.
The awards are part of the Growing Alabama Tax Credit program, which uses private dollars to improve publicly owned sites for economic development. Gulf Shores was one of only 10 communities selected statewide in this highly competitive funding cycle.
Donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contributions to approved economic development organizations. The program promotes economic development by funding industrial site readiness, a key factor for companies considering the state for a new facility or an expansion. Baldwin EMC allocated its eligible tax credit capacity to support the airport project.
Once complete, the local airport sites will be capable of supporting multiple 40,000 square foot hangars or a single 120,000 square foot facility. This flexible, market ready infrastructure is designed to attract one large or multiple mid sized aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators. The grant significantly lowers upfront development costs and eliminates timeline barriers that often slow or deter aviation companies entering new markets.
“This investment doesn’t just prepare a site — it opens the door to high skill MRO jobs and a more diversified economy for Gulf Shores,” said Blake Phelps, Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs. “By completing these improvements now, we’re removing barriers for aerospace companies and positioning our community for long term economic success.”
The new apron areas will help transition the airport from a conceptual development site into a competitive aviation hub positioned to support high skill, high wage MRO operations. The project is expected to support 50 to 200 quality jobs and attract substantial private capital investment.
“This project positions Gulf Shores International Airport to attract highly skilled MRO providers capable of servicing mid sized commercial and corporate jets needing more advanced facilities than traditional maintenance operations,” said Jesse Fosnaugh, Airport Director. “This investment gives us the advanced infrastructure needed to compete for top tier aviation jobs and long term economic growth.”