TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that 66 airport projects across the state, including area facilities, have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program funding for the planning, construction or rehabilitation of airports of general aviation for public use.
The list includes: Great Bend Municipal Airport, which receives $5,000 to replace a primary wind cone; Kinsley Municipal Airport, receiving $13,500 to replace a fuel card reader; and Lyons-Rice County Municipal Airport, receiving a total of $306,350 for the design and construction of a new fuel system.
“Whether it’s airplane manufacturing, a link in supply chain logistics or travel, Kansas’s aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”
The aviation industry accounts for more than $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chains and manufacturing industries in Kansas.
“Every mode of transportation is a link to the economic vitality of the state,” said Calvin Reed, secretary of transportation. “These airport improvements are just a few of many important efforts to boost the aviation industry throughout Kansas.”
KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program has awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, for a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has received 153 applications for a total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. The projects were evaluated for their impact on flight safety, economic growth and regional benefits. “We are grateful to meet 22 percent of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said Bob Brock, director of the Division of Aviation, KDOT.
“We look forward to new and continued partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”
