Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide $10,189,000 through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to fund infrastructure projects at three Kentucky airports.
Today’s grant announcement includes $5,017,500 to extend the Blue Grass Airport’s runway safety area, $810,000 to construct an aircraft rescue and firefighting training facility at Blue Grass Airport, and $211,500 to strengthen the apron at the Mount Sterling/Montgomery County Airport.
The announcement also includes $4,150,000 to help construct the new airport in Sparta, Kentucky. Airport administrators will use the funds for their north taxiway and airfield lighting. The Senator has already secured more than $18 million for the construction of the new airport.
Senator McConnell advocated for AIP funding in this year’s government funding bill, which he helped craft as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill passed the Senate and became law earlier this year.
“Kentucky’s airports bring families, tourists, and businesses to the Bluegrass, connecting the Commonwealth with the wider world. Today’s funding announcement will improve those facilities and the experience of the travelers who use them every day. I’m proud to help Kentucky communities big and small develop their air infrastructure and propel the Commonwealth’s economy to new heights,” said Senator McConnell.
“This is great news for Blue Grass Airport and the aviation industry in general. Both of these projects continue to improve safety for the flying public. The runway safety area improvement grant from the FAA will be a continuation of our efforts to maximize the safety on our main commercial service runway. The improvements to the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Training Facility at Blue Grass Airport will ultimately be able to provide better passenger rescue training in the event of an emergency, not only for our staff, but for firefighting and rescue professionals at other airports as well. Senator McConnell has been a longtime advocate for Blue Grass Airport, and we are grateful again for his assistance,” said Blue Grass Airport Executive Director Eric Frankl.
“Today’s grant announcement is great news for my community and will help us complete our longstanding goal of constructing a new airport to serve our slice of Northern Kentucky. New air transportation options will help bring businesses, travelers, and jobs to Gallatin County and support our local economy. We are deeply grateful for Senator McConnell’s work to secure these funds and support our county in the Senate,” said Gallatin County Judge-Executive Jon Ryan Morris.