It’s never to early to prepare for winter weather and Huntsville International Airport took a major step to keep its runways clear from ice and snow.

The airport was recently awarded a $1.9 million grant to build a storage facility for the airport’s winter weather snow-removal equipment fleet. The award came from the Alabama Department of Transportation as part of the Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program.

“Maintaining our airside infrastructure and operational readiness is vital to supporting the rapid growth of our region,” said Airport CEO Butch Roberts. “This $1.9 million ALDOT grant allows us to build a protective facility for our essential ice and snow removal fleet and ensures that our crews can respond to weather events and airfield needs with efficiency.

“We deeply appreciate the steadfast advocacy of Alabama Rep. Rex Reynolds and our state partners at ALDOT for supporting HSV’s long-term operations.”

The project will house and safeguard heavy operational assets including specialized airfield snow removal vehicles, runway sweepers, and ground maintenance equipment.

While the structure will protect high-dollar equipment from weather exposure, it will also provide ample space and amenities to permit airport personnel to better access and maintain the equipment and support removal operations during a winter weather event.

The 10,800-square-foot, pre-engineered metal building will have three drive-through bays for the airport’s snow removal equipment with a location for holding deicing chemicals.

Once begun, the project is expected to take six months to complete.

This investment reflects the cooperation between local aviation officials and ALDOT as they work together to enhance North Alabama’s logistics network.

“If Alabama is going to stay competitive for future economic development, we must ensure our airport keeps pace with our growth,” said State Rep. Rex Reynolds, House Ways and Means General Fund chairman. “Aviation plays a direct role in driving commerce to our state, and securing high-paying jobs across the Southeast and nationally depends on having the transportation infrastructure to support that expansion.”