The Gulf Shores City Council and Gulf Shores Airport Authority in separate actions May 27, approved a grant with the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $5,374,830.  The Airport Authority and City credited the perseverance and efforts of Senator Richard Shelby’s and congressman Bradley Byrne’s offices to achieve this long-sought goal for the airport. The airport currently ranks as the second busiest airport in-flight operations (landings and takeoffs) in Alabama and will rank in the top 40 of the 256 Federal Contract Towers nationwide once in operation.

Several Federal Aviation Administration offices remarked that JKA set a record for the highest benefit-cost ratio ever seen in the program’s history at 4.18.  This means that the benefits of the tower exceed the costs associated by a factor of 4.2. 
 
As a result of “CARES ACT” Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) participation has increased from 90 percent to 100 percent.  Chairman Vic Roberts of the Airport Authority stated; “The $700,000 in Airport Authority funds set aside for the tower construction will be reallocated to the future terminal project.”

 
Congressman Byrne said; “Jack Edwards National Airport serves one of the fastest growing regions of our state, and the funds that the FAA has approved for this much needed tower will enable the airport to take another step forward in service to its customers and Southwest Alabama’s economy.  In years to come, the airport will play an increasingly vital role in the continued development of Baldwin County.  I appreciate the Federal Aviation Administration approving these funds, and I look forward to continuing to support the airport’s growth.”
 
"Jack Edwards National Airport serves the thriving business and tourism market in Gulf Shores, South Baldwin County, and communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast," Mayor Robert Craft said. "This full service airport is an outstanding asset creating jobs and diversification opportunities for new and existing businesses. Jack Edwards National Airport is vital to the development and continued economic growth of the area and provides a transportation hub for anyone traveling for business, recreation, and/or relaxation."

The project is scheduled to be bid June 18 with bid openings July 30, 2020.  Construction is slated to be complete in May 2021.