VINEMONT, Alabama. – Cullman Regional Airport officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a major renovation of the terminal apron and new hangars on Thursday, August 8. The accompanying press conference also announced an additional $1 million in funding to help renovate the local airport and North Alabama’s only landing zone, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Community and Economic Affairs (ADECA).
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said, “You all have one of the most diverse industry backgrounds I’ve seen in the state – that’s another tool in your toolbox, especially when you’re so close to Huntsville and these opportunities.”
The grant will help fund ongoing airport improvements that have been underway for a decade. Since 2014, Cullman Regional Airport has continually improved its facilities and infrastructure. Taxiways and runways have been resurfaced, and now the airport is ready to tackle its largest project yet with the expansion of the terminal apron and new hangars.
“From 2014 to today, every single project we have undertaken has been completed,” said Ben Harrison, director of Cullman Regional Airport. “Everything we have done has been to expand or remodel the airport.”
The goal of the renovations is to make CRA a premier regional airport that offers passengers full autonomy with their aircraft. Due to the airport’s current size, Harrison and airport staff often have to lend a hand to maneuver and arrange aircraft in hangars or designated areas. The soon-to-be-added space will ensure that the owner or operator of each aircraft can navigate without the assistance of airport staff.
Harrison said, “I know this doesn’t seem like much to all of you, but the less we touch these very expensive jets, the less chance we have of damaging very expensive jets.”
Martin Aviation, a jet, turbine and piston maintenance facility in Scottsboro, has decided to expand its reach to Cullman. Soon, the maintenance facility will begin construction of its own service hangar. Martin Aviation’s new wing will provide avionics and engine installation, paint booth service, maintenance tracking and detailing services to Cullman Regional Airport pilots.
“About 12 years ago, my wife and I were frequent visitors to the Cullman Airport and we often talked about how beautiful Cullman was and how great it was to live and raise a family,” said Chris Martin, owner and maintenance manager at Martin Aviation. “I am excited and happy to announce that we have been given the opportunity to do our part to help grow the community by expanding our aircraft maintenance business to the Cullman Airport.”
Martin praised Wallace State Community College and its aviation and flight technology programs, and mentioned that Martin Aviation’s expansion to Cullman will give WSCC students and graduates the opportunity to experience their chosen field of work in a real-world setting and give them the tools to apply their certificates or degrees back home.
After addressing and thanking the officials in attendance, WSCC President Dr. Vicki Karolewics said, “Wallace State is honored to be your partner in training aviation personnel. We have pilots working all over the United States; they even fly 757s and 767s internationally for major airlines. As our airport grows, we are grateful to be able to support your growth, and we certainly want to do everything in our power to increase the number of Alabamians interested in pursuing a career in aviation.”
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