Regional Runway Overhaul Cleared with $18.5 Million Federal Grant
De Armanville, AL · September 26, 2026
Thick morning fog is draping the valley pastures, but it should burn away just in time for an active Saturday out on the ballfields and trails.
The Lead
Anniston Regional Airport is set for a major transformation after securing an $18,492,378 federal grant through the Department of Defense’s Defense Community Infrastructure Program. The funding covers the vast majority of an estimated $19 million overhaul to rehabilitate and strengthen the facility’s primary 7,000-foot runway. Because the airport plays an indispensable logistics role supporting heavy equipment movement for the nearby Anniston Army Depot, keeping the airfield rated for demanding cargo traffic is an essential regional priority. Beyond military readiness, the upgrade ensures a durable foundation for civil aviation, corporate travel, and long-term economic development across the surrounding valley. City engineers and project coordinators expect final environmental verifications and bidding packages to finish this winter before heavy equipment mobilizes on the tarmac next spring.
Local Pulse
Incoming Commissioners Schedule October Community Listening Sessions City Hall Commissioners-elect Michael Webb and Tobi Burt will host evening forums next month to hear neighborhood priorities before taking office.
Governor Proclaims Statewide Dolly Day for Literacy Community Calhoun County families can enroll children under age five for free monthly books delivered directly to their doorsteps.
Today's Outlook
- High 82°F · Low 57°F — Fog
- Give morning fog extra time to lift before enjoying the comfortable afternoon warmth.
What's On Around Town
Today
Calhoun County Farmers Market Calhoun County Farmers Market (1702 Noble St), Anniston, 7:00 AM Fresh regional produce, local honey, and seasonal goods straight from growers.
Saturday Alive! Anniston Museum of Natural History (839 Museum Dr), Anniston, 1:00 PM · Paid Meet live animal ambassadors up close inside the museum auditorium.
Motherhood Matters Gala Oxford Civic Center (401 McCullars Ln), Oxford, 6:00 PM · Paid An evening celebration supporting maternal wellness programs throughout the valley.
Tomorrow
- USSSA Baseball Tournament Choccolocco Park (954 Leon Smith Pkwy), Oxford, 9:00 AM
Monday
- Carver Gymnastics Session Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 3:30–6:30 PM
- Youth Football Games Choccolocco Park (954 Leon Smith Pkwy), Oxford, 5:30 PM
Spotlight & Story
- Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association
- Founded in 1992, this volunteer coalition maintains dozens of miles of singletrack across Coldwater Mountain and Fort McClellan. Beyond marquee races, their recent Dig In grant expanded the Wiggins Community Center trail to three miles, supplying loaner bikes for forty local kids.
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