Blue Grass Airport Receives $5 Million Federal Grant for Airport Improvements

Lexington, KY – Blue Grass Airport has been awarded a $5,024,005 grant from the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to fund needed airport improvements. The grant, announced by Congressman Ernie Fletcher today, will be used to construct an Air Carrier Ramp Addition and various security-related upgrades at the airport.

The Air Carrier Ramp Addition project will allow the airport to expand the existing aircraft parking ramp thereby enhancing the airport's ability to park a growing number of aircraft overnight. In the last two years Blue Grass Airport has added five new destinations and has introduced new jet service to a number of other markets. As a result of this increase in activity the airport has encountered a scarcity of overnight parking positions required by both new and existing flights. Overnight aircraft parking is vital to meeting the needs of the business traveler in the region. By parking an aircraft overnight the passenger is able to take advantage of early morning departures and late evening arrivals from the nation's business centers. This allows travelers to make better use of their time and make their travel day more productive.

Congressman Fletcher said, "I am pleased to have assisted Blue Grass Airport is securing funding for this worthy project. Access to quality air transportation is vital to the economy of the region. These improvements will allow the airport staff to continue their efforts to lure new flights and more competitive service to the area."

Airport Executive Director, Michael Gobb added, "As a result of Congressman Fletcher's efforts the airport has also been provided the opportunity to fund approximately $400,000 in security-related improvements in addition to the ramp project. These additional security improvements will allow the airport to continue to offer a convenient, user friendly environment for our customers while maintaining a high level of security for all airport users."

Blue Grass Airport is served by six airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 12 major gateway cities and direct service to destinations worldwide.