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Tuscaloosa National Airport - Runway Improvements
Updated Jan 18 2023
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Summary
The Tuscaloosa National Airport (TCL) plays a vital role in the economic development initiatives of Tuscaloosa. The airport has a significant general aviation operation. By providing an air shipping channel and an industrial park, the airport gives businesses in Tuscaloosa a competitive advantage.
Officially known as Runway 04-22, the primary runway at TCL is 6,500 feet long and 150 feet wide. Originally constructed over 50 years ago, Runway 04-22 was last repaved in 1995 and repaired in 2009. More than a simple repaving project, this initiative will rebuild the structure of the runway, allowing it to accommodate the type of air traffic and cargo that are now landing at and taking off from the airport. The work will involve removing the existing asphalt, creating a soil-cement base, and placing new asphalt surface material. In addition, runway end identifier lights will be installed.
Elevate will also lay the groundwork for future commercial air service at the airport by obtaining a leakage study and having market research conducted. The leakage study looks at current passenger use of airports in our region, determining traffic volumes, carriers used, and fares paid. The market research involves a survey of the community to determine travel behaviors, demand for air travel, and other characterisitics of our market.
Goals and Impact
Continue to support the local and regional economies by ensuring all commercial and industrial air traffic and cargo can use the runway
Set the stage for future phases of airport improvements, with the ultimate goal of reinstating commercial passenger air service in Tuscaloosa
Project Updates
Timeline
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Key Milestones & Events
Completed:
Bids opened May 12, 2020 (view documents here)
Construction contract awarded June 23, 2020
Groundbreaking ceremony April 15, 2021
Construction began April 19, 2021
Ribbon cutting and reception on August 19, 2021
Up Next:
Project Materials
Financial Information
Costs
Cost Summary
Spent:
$8,441,144
Approved:
$8,441,144
Budget:
$8,441,144
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Spent: The amount paid on this project to-date.
Approved: The amount that has been approved by the City Council to be spent for a specific contract or purpose on this project. In city accounting terms, this is spent + encumbered.
Budget: The total amount of money that the City expects to be spent to complete this project. This amount is only finalized once sufficient planning on the project has been completed.
Cost Details
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund: City funds dedicated to Elevate Tuscaloosa which are allocated to this project.
Other City Funds: City funds from non-Elevate Tuscaloosa sources allocated to this project.
External Funding: Amounts from sources outside of the city, such as grants, or donations from citizens or private companies.
Overall Funding
Funding Summary
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund:
$22,500
Other City Funds:
$28,777
External Funding:
$8,389,867
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