MUSCLE SHOALS — Northwest Alabama Regional Airport’s (MSL) Runway Rehabilitation and Re-Designation project is underway. The project will rehabilitate asphalt surfaces for Runway 11/29 to correct transverse grade and mark 12/30 for magnetic declination correction. MSL will also replace airfield guidance signs and distance remaining signs with new LED approved signage. 
MSL received $5.9 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September, 2018 for airport development and runway safety. MSL will use this money, as well as state funds, to complete the project. The project is scheduled to last until late September, 2019.
MSL is currently in Phase 1 of the rehab project, which involves the closing of Runway 18/36. Runway 11/29 remains open for now, but with a displaced threshold. This means that pilots have approximately 2000 fewer feet available for landing and takeoff. 
Airport Director, Barry Griffith, urges pilots flying to and from MSL to check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flying, “We are working to keep our tenants updated on runway and taxiway closures via email blasts, but it is important to check NOTAMS for the most up-to-date information.”
The Runway Rehab project will not affect MSL’s commercial airline, Boutique Air. Boutique Air serves the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, four times per day. Airport officials were careful not to disrupt Boutique’s flight schedule during the project because of the importance of a commercial air service carrier to our area.
There are over 30,000 tons of asphalt that will be used to pave the runway and connecting taxiways. Airport Director, Barry Griffith, says he is hopeful that the rehabilitated and improved runway will allow for new opportunities for MSL, such as the capability of serving larger aircraft; this will be beneficial to the University of North Alabama during their transition to Division 1 athletics. Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Authority board members are also pleased that the rehabilitation project will promote runway safety and help MSL stay in compliance with FAA regulations.
Media Release/Presley PriceNorthwest Alabama Regional Airport/www.flytheshoals.com
