Foley’s municipal airport is getting ready for new growth after city leaders voted to expand airport facilities and improve infrastructure. Rising interest from pilots has pushed demand far past available hangar space, making expansion a top priority for local officials. City council members say the next step is tackling applications for state and federal grants that will help pay for most of these projects. The changes would also improve airport safety and keep the site functional for years to come.

If the grants are approved, Foley will build 10 new T-hangars south of the airport’s main apron. The new hangars will sit in a 248-foot by 60-foot building, close to the existing structures. All 48 current hangars are leased, and more than 100 pilots remain on the waiting list for a spot.

Besides new hangars, the plan calls for additional taxiways so aircraft can reach those facilities. Federal and state agencies have already helped pay for recent hangar expansions, and Foley hopes reimbursement from those partners will continue to offset costs.

Drainage upgrades are another big part of the project. Water runoff from a nearby neighborhood has caused some erosion just south of the Runway Safety Area, raising alarms about future damage. The city will address this by slowing water flow and improving drainage around the east side of the runway.

Officials want to limit local taxpayer spending and keep the airport running as a reliable resource for Foley and surrounding communities.