Grant to aid Tupelo runway project.

Byline: Dennis Seid

July 07--TUPELO -- The check is on the way.

But more checks -- or one very big one -- are still needed.

The Tupelo Regional Airport is getting a $544,079 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help with the airport's runway extension.

The project, which will add 650 feet to the north end of the runway, will cost at least $8.15 million, based on a study done by engineering firm Neel-Schaffer last year.

The grant will help pay for a wildlife hazard assessment study and the design of the extension.

The design phase is under way.

Airport Executive Director Josh Abramson said he hopes to …