BLUE GRASS AIRPORT TO ISSUE $35 MILLION IN BONDS TO FINANCE A HOST OF AIRPORT ENHANCEMENTS

Lexington, KY - The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board has announced its intention to issue $35 million in bonds to initiate a number of needed improvements to the commercial service runway, tarmac, terminal, rental car facilities and general aviation areas of Blue Grass Airport. The total cost for these improvements is estimated to be $66 million with approximately $31 million of the cost to be funded by a combination of federal monies, passenger facility and concession fees.

The bond issue is necessary to allow Lexington ’s airport to meet the demands arising from significant growth in airline and passenger activity, changes in security and the need to make airfield improvements at Blue Grass Airport.

Projects in the enhancement program include:

• Improvements to the Runway Safety Areas for Runway 4-22. This project will add 600 feet to both ends of the airport’s 7,000 foot commercial service runway.
  
• Rehabilitation of a secondary general aviation Runway 8-26 and airfield taxiways. This project will rebuild the airport’s 3,500 foot secondary general aviation runway originally constructed in the early 1940’s.
  
• A concourse addition featuring six new passenger gates and significant modifications to the interior of the airport. This project will add much needed capacity to handle additional passengers and aircraft in Lexington .
  
• The addition of a rental car ready return facility. This project provides a convenient pick and drop off area for customers renting cars at the airport. The new facility will be located adjacent to the terminal and will offer covered parking for four rental car companies.
  
• The introduction of a business lounge. The airport’s current Observation Level will be converted to a lounge similar to those offered through airline frequent flier clubs. Club members of any airline will be able to access this area without charge.
  
• The construction of 16 new general aviation hangars
  

“We have placed a high priority on customer convenience, choice and access to quality air service. Each of the projects included in the enhancement plan reflect our commitment to the customer and our family of airlines,” said Michael Gobb, Executive Director, Blue Grass Airport.

The projects included in the airport’s enhancement plan will be phased in over the next few years with initial work beginning on safety areas of Runway 4-22 in the fall of 2003.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities and direct service to destinations worldwide. The airport serves nearly one million passengers each year.