The Perry County Airport and Industrial Authority says it has completed a federally funded infrastructure project at Vaiden Field Airport and received final confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration that the work met all grant requirements.
In a statement issued June 29, the Authority announced the closeout of a $540,310 grant awarded under the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), originally allocated in 2019. According to the Authority, the total cost of the project came to $686,280.75, with the balance covered by state matching funds through the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The Authority stated that the work involved “critical infrastructure improvements” intended to bring the airport in line with current FAA safety and operational standards. The contractor for the project was S.A. Graham Company, Inc.
A copy of the FAA’s closeout letter, issued by program manager Inez Williams, confirms that “all work included in the project description was satisfactorily completed,” that “all project costs were determined to be reasonable, eligible, and allowable,” and that “the airport sponsor complied with all terms and conditions of the grant agreement.”
Donald Bennett, chairman of the Airport and Industrial Authority, called the project a “significant milestone for Vaiden Field,” and said the improvements were part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe facility that could support “economic development, emergency services, and recreational aviation in the Black Belt region.”
The Authority described Vaiden Field as a “vital transportation asset” that supports business development, recreational and agricultural aviation, and both corporate and private aircraft operations. It also said the airport plays a role in regional emergency response.
The Authority stated that it continues to seek additional state and federal funding for future airport development projects, which may include upgrades to lighting systems, weather monitoring equipment, and other facilities.
Vaiden Field Airport (A08) is located in Perry County and is classified as a public-use airport. The Authority manages the site and also promotes industrial development in the area.
The Airport Improvement Program, which provided the funding for this project, is a federal program designed to assist public use airports with planning and development needs.
