ALABAMA REP. HUBBARD HELPS SECURE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR AU AIRPORT UPGRADE
Construction of a new entrance to the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport will move ahead as scheduled, thanks to more than $946,000 in state funds recently provided to Auburn University, the airport’s owner.
The road will allow direct access to the airport’s planned new terminal building from Interstate 85, Glenn Avenue and Frederick Road. State Representative Mike Hubbard from Auburn was instrumental in securing the funds.
“Upgrading the airport complex makes the region more attractive for industry and provides better facilities for the community and the University’s Air Transportation Department,” said AU President Ed Richardson. “Representative Hubbard has once again demonstrated his commitment to Auburn University.”
Richardson made improving the airport one of his priorities when he was named Auburn’s president. In addition to a new, modern terminal, the airport improvement project includes new aircraft hangars, taxiways and parking aprons. Site work for the new terminal will begin before the end of the year, and work on the new access road will start next spring.
“The Auburn-Opelika Airport is an economic engine for Lee County,” said Hubbard. “Funding for the new access road represents a wise investment in jobs and opportunity in East Alabama.”
With these additional funds, Hubbard has now helped Auburn obtain almost $2 million for airport improvements.
