Foley is positioning its municipal airport for growth, with city leaders preparing to advance plans for a new terminal building as part of a broader package of transit, drainage and community infrastructure projects.
The City Council reviewed the proposals during a joint work session and regular meeting Monday, July 20, at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
The centerpiece of the discussion was a resolution authorizing a grant application to the Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Bureau. The funding would support construction of a modern, multi-use airport terminal building to replace the airport’s existing facilities.
Alongside the terminal expansion, the city is upgrading its airfield infrastructure. Council members are set to accept formal grant offers from the Federal Aviation Administration and ALDOT to fund critical drainage improvements across the airfield, with local contractor RH Deas Co., LLC recommended for the drainage construction contract. The council also expects to close out a recently completed eight-unit T-Hangar project to secure final federal and state reimbursements.
Beyond the airport, Foley is leveraging state partnerships to improve its vehicle and pedestrian networks. The Street Department is seeking dedicated internal funding to begin in-house construction of the East/West Corridor, a project connecting Wilson Avenue and Equestrian Park Road that is meant to relieve traffic congestion.
Pedestrian safety is also getting a boost through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The council reviewed additional funding for pedestrian improvements along Highway 98, which will bring enhanced crosswalks and safety infrastructure to intersections at Cedar Street, Oak Street, Pine Street, Chicago Street and the Rose Trail crosswalk.
The council’s agenda also included a range of other items: an appraisal proposal from Premier Appraisals for right-of-way acquisitions at West Michigan Avenue and South Cedar Street; authorization to solicit bids for the fiscal year 2026 neighborhood road resurfacing cycle; a resolution exercising the city’s option to repurchase undeveloped land in Zones 2, 3 and 4 from IRH Foley, LLC; reappointments of Billie Nardell to the Senior Center Advisory Board and JaNay Dawson to the Foley Historic Commission; a fee waiver for Beulah Heights Park to support a Back to School Community Kickoff and Fundraiser hosted by Alicia Watts; a liquor license review for Xian Noodle Place on South McKenzie Street; and the city’s annual insurance and stop-loss reinsurance contract renewals.