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Area airports share in $11 million for improvement projects
Gov. Laura Kelly

TOPEKA – Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly Wednesday announced that 66 airport projects across the state, including area facilities, have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports. 

The list includes: Great Bend Municipal Airport, receiving $5,000 to replace a primary wind cone; Kinsley Municipal Airport, receiving $13,500 to replace a fuel farm 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 be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the  Kansas 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 represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad  spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas. 

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “These airport improvements are a few of many important  efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.” 

The 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 awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million. 

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP  grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and  regional benefit. “We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said  Bob Brock, director of the Division of Aviation, KDOT. 

“We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”