U.S. Rep. Dale Strong Secures $2 Million for Huntsville International Airport Western Expansion
Why It MattersThe expansion signals a push to attract MRO operators and broader aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing activity to secondary southeastern airports.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong announced on October 6, 2026, that he secured $2 million in federal funding for the western expansion of Huntsville International Airport. The allocation will fund additional land development west of the airport's West Runway, near County Line Road, as part of a first phase estimated to cost approximately $11 million.
The airport currently owns about 3,000 acres west of County Line Road. Long-term plans for the West Aviation development are intended to mirror the airport's existing cargo complex on the East Runway, including dedicated hangar space and a direct-access taxiway ramp, with potential for an additional runway. Airport officials said the work is designed to help the airport recruit aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies, expanding its capacity to serve defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The Huntsville City Council is scheduled to vote next month on a tax increment financing district, TIF D8, for the area. If approved by the council and the Limestone County Commission, the TIF would provide $40 million for upgrades and relocation of County Line Road from south of I-565 to Boeing Boulevard. Strong noted that the airport's main runway measures 12,600 feet, which he said is the second longest in the southeastern United States.
