Federal Grant Clears Runway Upgrades at Regional Airport
De Armanville, AL · October 5, 2026
Autumn is easing in under quiet, gray skies this morning, with plenty stirring along the Highway 78 corridor today. Grab that first cup of coffee while we map out what is happening around the valley.
The Lead
Federal aviation officials have cleared an $18.49 million grant to completely reconstruct the primary runway at Anniston Regional Airport, directly adjacent to our community along the Highway 78 corridor. The federal investment targets heavy pavement rehabilitation, modern airfield lighting, and stormwater drainage along the 7,000-foot runway. For local residents and valley businesses, the airfield serves as an indispensable economic engine, accommodating industrial charter flights, disaster response aviation, and daily logistical support for the Anniston Army Depot. Engineering teams and city planners are finalizing technical specifications this month, with bidding for construction contractors scheduled to open this winter ahead of asphalt and grading equipment rolling onto the tarmac next spring.
Local Pulse
Calhoun County Landfill Schedules Free Disposal Day Community Residents can haul appliances, scrap metal, and bulky household debris to Morrisville Road free of charge on Saturday, October 17.
Regional Career Academy Receives State Equipment Grant Schools A new $2.48 million state grant funds modern technical training equipment and laboratory space for Calhoun County high school students.
Today's Outlook
- High 79°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
- Overcast skies keep temperatures mild, making it a comfortable morning for outdoor errands.
What's On Around Town
Today
Youth Gymnastics Class Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 3:30–6:30 PM · Paid Beginner tumbling, beam, and floor routines for ages three and up.
Steppin' Out Dance Fitness Norwood Hodges Community Center (3125 Spring Valley Rd), Anniston, 5:30–6:15 PM High-energy group cardio and rhythm workout open to all fitness levels.
Southern Spinners Baton Practice Norwood Hodges Community Center (3125 Spring Valley Rd), Anniston, 5:30–7:30 PM Weekly youth baton twirling practice under coach Patty Mixon.
Tomorrow
- Community Center Free Play Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Steppin' Out Dance Fitness Norwood Hodges Community Center (3125 Spring Valley Rd), Anniston, 5:30–6:15 PM
Wednesday
- Youth Gymnastics and Tumbling Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 3:30–6:30 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- The Anniston & Choccolocco Dummy Line
- In the late 1880s, steam dummy locomotives clad in wooden streetcar paneling—crafted deliberately to avoid frightening local farm mules—clattered through the valley. The modest passenger line shuttled millworkers and produce along the route where US 78 now runs.
De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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