Auburn University Regional Airport is set to receive a major upgrade in the form of a new air traffic control tower.

The construction of the building is being made possible through the recent approval of federal funding legislation which set aside $7.2 million for the task.

Bill Hutto, executive director of the Auburn University Regional Airport, explained some of the tower’s benefits and also thanked Rep. Mike Rogers, who represents the district, for securing the funding for the project.

“This project will significantly increase safety at the airport, which is the top priority,” Hutto said. “It also will make the airport more efficient for our many users, ranging from education to economic development. We thank Congressman Rogers for his continued support of aviation initiatives in our community.”

Recently, the airport has experienced record levels of operations because of the high number of flight training students at Auburn University and the continued increase in business, military, and recreational travelers to the Auburn-Opelika area. The airport also saw a record number of operations in 2023, second only to Birmingham International Airport in the state.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, chairman of the Airport Advisory Board, noted the positive effect the tower will have on overall safety while also crediting Rogers for his role in the process.

“The construction of the air traffic control tower marks a transformative moment for the airport,” Fuller said. “This investment underscores our commitment to ensure our community is served with the utmost safety.

“We are grateful for the support of Congressman Rogers and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our region’s aviation capabilities.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.