Two Kentucky general aviation airports will receive nearly $11 million in federal discretionary grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve aviation infrastructure and boost safety and economic development.
The Gallatin Airport in Sparta will receive $9 million. Funds will be used to construct the airport that will feature a terminal building, a full-length parallel taxiway, 5,500 feet of runway, and corporate and conventional t-hangars.
The airport will serve the business needs of the I-71 corridor from Louisville to Cincinnati. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
“Gov. (Matt) Bevin has been a moving force since the beginning of his administration in getting this 15-year-long project off the ground by securing land for the airport that’s primed to spur economic development in this growing region of the state,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Greg Thomas said about the construction of Gallatin airport.
The London-Corbin Airport in London will receive $1.85 million. Funds will be used to reconstructing the existing 6,000-foot runway on Magee Field. This will ensure the airport remains a hub for businesses interested in economic development in eastern Kentucky.
The funds are part of $477 million the Department of Transportation is investing nationwide.