Huntsville’s Acquisition Integration is pumping $30 million into building a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Limestone County.

The distribution, logistics and services company has a four-phase plan to build 170,000 square feet of hangar and office space, with the operation creating about 250 jobs

The Pryor Field Airport Authority earlier this month approved a 25-year lease with a 10-year option for AI’s project. Acquisition Integration CEO Dave Bristol said the company believes the MRO will support its expected growth in North Alabama.

The project is being assisted through grants totaling $2 million from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

In addition, the Airport is working to secure grant funding for a new taxiway project, as well as funding for other projects on the airport master plan.

Goodwyn Mills Cawood, serving as Pryor Field’s airport engineer and planning consultant, recently worked with the Authority to develop a master plan. It sets aside nearly 85 acres of existing airport property for MROs.

The Airport Authority is working with GMC on several other projects to support AI’s MRO operations, as well as future developments on this property designated for long-term ground lease opportunities.

“Our master plan has allowed us to market sections of the airport for long-term ground leases that weren’t previously dedicated for development,” Airport Authority Chairman Nathan Fowler said. “Pryor Field is growing and positioned for many more economic development opportunities in the future.”

Pryor Field Regional Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Alabama, with national, corporate and private air traffic.