HATTIESBURG, Miss. ( WHLT ) – Hattiesburg’s Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport received a $1,574,496 grant on Monday, August 19 to improve an existing taxiway and to construct a new taxiway.

The city said the grant is from the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund. The project, which includes a $334,989 match from the city, will result in a total investment of $1,909,485.

According to officials, the project will involve both the rehabilitation of an existing taxiway, originally constructed during World War II, and the construction of a new taxiway. The new taxiway is designed to access an area designated for future hangar development. Leaders said the development will accommodate larger aircraft and will stimulate private investment in the airport.

“On National Aviation Day, the announcement of this Strategic Multi-Modal Investment Fund grant is a fitting way to celebrate both the legacy and future of Bobby L. Chain Airport,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “Adding this taxiway extension will incentivize further private investment in the airport while creating new opportunities for partnership with industry, disaster response organizations and Camp Shelby.”

The taxiway expansion will create the opportunity for 80,000 square feet of additional hangar space. The new lots along the taxiway will be subdivided, providing leasing opportunities for both new and existing tenants. After 50 years, the ownership of these private developments will be transferred to the City of Hattiesburg.

In addition to increasing hangar capacity, the project aims to improve overall airport efficiency and safety. Some of the infrastructure upgrades will include the removal and relocation of power lines, as well as enhancements to the airport’s water and sewer systems to support the new hangar facilities.

The Hattiesburg City Council will accept the receipt of this grant at their meeting on Tuesday, August 20.

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