Gulf Shores approved two measures Monday to build a temporary commercial airline terminal at the Gulf Shores International Airport.
The city council approved a resolution to authorize a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant agreement between the city and the Airport Authority.
The $5 million grant will go towards the $7.9 million project. The Gulf Shores airport was one of 144 airports nationwide to receive a grant from the Infrastructure Bill – Airport Terminal Program.
The council also approved a Memorandum of Agreement concerning a $3 million loan to pay for the rest of the project. The 11-year payback schedule on the loan gives no interest for three years and then 6% interest following those three years.
Both measures were passed unanimously. The new 17,500-square-foot terminal is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
Councilman Jason Dyken gave the council an update on where the project stands.
“I don't know if it's officially been released, but I know they're scheduling the pre-construction meeting with the contractor,” Dyken said.
“They have negotiated the pre-fabricated building and delivery of that at a very quick scheduled turnaround, and I think the timeline for the project is 300 days of construction,” he said. “So, you know it's moving forward.”
A project manager is already in place, and Dyken said work should begin soon.
Travelers to and from Alabama's coast currently fly out of Mobile or Pensacola for commercial flights.
The plan to bring commercial airlines to Gulf Shores has been in the making for 10 years. In 2021, the airport added a traffic control tower.
While City officials say several commercial airlines have shown interest, they have not said which ones.
Huntsville was also awarded a $7 million grant, which will be used to build a new terminal and concourse.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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