MCEAA chairman Tom Sharp, Jr. said the growing airport needs to extend its runway from 5,000 to 6,500 feet so it can host larger corporate and private planes. The project also stands to benefit Yulista Aviation, which performs maintenance on Army and civilian aircraft at the airport.

"We think this is going to bring several more jobs and obviously increase the safety of this airport quite a bit," Sharp said.

Meridianville Bottom Road is in the way of the longer runway and will have to be shifted about 250 feet to the south. The rerouted road will come close to eight houses on Lewis Tate Road that Sharp said will have to be bought and removed.

He estimated the project will take three years to complete and cost $8 million. Airport leaders hope Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration will pick up most of the tab.

Griffit said his predecessor, retired U.S. Rep Bud Cramer fought to get the airport project included in this year's federal omnibus spending bill before leaving office. Griffith voted for the bill in late February 2009.

"This grant will help to allow larger aircraft to operate at the airport, increase safety and produce jobs for the local maintenance and repair company located here," he said. "Our country's economic development is driven at the local level, and the airport has always played a large role in that."

Sharp said The Madison County Executive Airport sees about 3,800 takoffs and landings every month. It has become increasingly popular with corporate executives flying to the Rocket City on company planes.

Sharp said the airport is studying how the longer runway and rerouted Meridianville Bottom Road will affect nearby homes.

"We want to be good neighbors," he said.