McConnell Announces Kentucky Airports Receive Nearly $12.9 Million

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today 30 Kentucky airports received a total of $12,858,789 to continue operations and keep travelers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was made available by the bipartisan Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, which Senator McConnell negotiated and led to enactment in December.

"The bipartisan COVID relief passed by the Senate last year continues to fuel Kentucky's economic comeback. In particular, I'm proud these resources will lift our Commonwealth's airports as they support their workers and safely connect travelers to their destinations," said Senator McConnell. "Each Kentuckian who receives the safe and effective COVID vaccine helps get us closer to a strong recovery."

According to FAA, the funding can be used for costs ranging from operations and personnel to sanitization and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport.

"Now, more than ever, building and improving infrastructure creates jobs and facilitates business growth. Through Senator McConnell's continued leadership for Kentucky, we're receiving funds critical to the airport's ability to support the local economy," said Louisville Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Dan Mann.

"Kentucky has been fortunate to have a strong leader in Senator McConnell, as we have all faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic," said Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Operations Manager Tristan Durbin. "His leadership has aided the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport by granting necessary funding enabling the airport to support the local economy and maintain vital air service for Owensboro and the surrounding region."

"As a community, we are very grateful and excited to receive this news," said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. "Our airport is an extremely valuable component of our overall economic development endeavors, and this greatly enhances our opportunity for growth. As home to one of only five control towers in the Commonwealth and the third longest runway, we want to thank Senator McConnell for his efforts in continuing to help Owensboro and Daviess County grow."

Before this funding announcement, Kentucky airports had received nearly $110 million from the bipartisan COVID rescue packages Senator McConnell led to enactment.

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