CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday, Nov. 4, passed a resolution to accept grant funds in the amount of $1 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission to construct a 13,200-square-foot hangar and 1,600-square-foot classroom at Cullman Regional Airport, in a joint venture between the City and County.
The hangar will be a jet, turbine and piston maintenance facility employing eight mechanics for Scottsboro-based Martin Aviation, while Wallace State Community College will use the educational space for its Aviation Workforce Training Center offering, according to a City statement, “aviation curriculum and hands on work related to both manned and unmanned (drone) workforce training.”
Martin Aviation’s new wing will offer Cullman Regional Airport pilots avionics and engine installation, paint booth services, maintenance tracking and detailing services.
At the joint facilities’ groundbreaking in August, Chris Martin, owner and director of maintenance at Martin Aviation, said, “About 12 years ago, my wife and I became frequent visitors at the Cullman airport and we often talked about how beautiful Cullman was and how it could be an excellent place to live and raise a family. I’m excited and blessed to announce that we have been given the opportunity to do our part to grow the community by expanding our aircraft maintenance business to the Cullman airport.”
Martin acknowledged Wallace State Community College and its Aviation and Flight Technology programs, mentioning that the expansion of Martin Aviation into Cullman will give WSCC students and graduates the ability to witness their chosen line of work in a real-world setting and give them the tools to use their certificates or degrees in the place they call home.
WSCC President Dr. Vicki Karolewics said at the groundbreaking, “Wallace State is honored to be your partner in training the aviation workforce. We have pilots working all over the United States; they’re even flying 757s and 767s internationally for major airlines. As our airport grows, we are grateful to support your growth, and we certainly want to do all in our power to increase the number of Alabamians who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation.”
Following the council meeting, Cullman Regional Airport Director Ben Harrison told The Tribune, “The partnership with Wallace State will open opportunities for students to learn the maintenance side of aviation. Martin, along with Tennessee Valley Aviation, who is already based here, will be able to service and maintain nearly anything that flies into the airport. We are excited for the growth and look forward to building on the overall long term plan for the airport.”
The council also approved two special event requests from Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Special Events Director Kelly Pulliam, looking forward to the Christmas season:
- To hold the Christkindlmarkt in Depot Park from Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, through Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
- To hold the Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. and Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in Depot Park on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024
The Cullman City Council meets next at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in the Cullman City Hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
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