BLUE GRASS AIRPORT UNVEILS NEWLY DESIGNED ENTRYWAY

September 17, 2009 – Today the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board unveiled its new main entryway into Blue Grass Airport. With the assistance of the Kentucky Department of Aviation Commissioner R. Winn Turney and Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, the Airport Board proudly revealed the new signage and landscaping that will welcome almost a million travelers each year.

“Today marks a significant day as we unveil a new entryway for Blue Grass Airport,” said Bobby Owens, chairman of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board. “As visitors from around the world arrive in Lexington for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, they will experience a gateway that is reflective of the Bluegrass region. We are delighted to share this day with our state and community partners, and we are appreciative of the support we have received from the Governor and Kentucky Department of Aviation.”

In July 2008, Governor Steve Beshear provided the Airport Board with funding from the Transportation Enhancement Program to be applied towards this project. The Transportation Enhancement Program offers federal funding for the pursuit of unique and creative approaches to the integration of transportation into Kentucky communities in an environmentally friendly way.

“The state’s involvement by way of the Transportation Enhancement Grant for $586,233 certainly indicates the support that Governor Beshear and Secretary Joe Prather have for this site beautification project,” said R. Winn Turney, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation. “This, in conjunction with the state Department of Aviation’s commitment of $9,000,000 for the realignment of Runway 8/26 to 9/27, will ensure the safety, efficiency and beauty of Blue Grass Airport for years to come. We are happy and proud to be partners with the Urban County Government, Airport Board and FAA in all of the vital improvements taking place at the gateway to Lexington and the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.”

Designed to resemble the region’s horse farm entrances, the entryway incorporates brick masonry walls, limestone capping, stone walls, landscaping and signature lighting fixtures. The materials used in this project are consistent with the existing architectural styles at the airport, including its parking structure and rental car facility.

“I want to thank Governor Beshear for his strong support of this community as we prepare for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” Mayor Jim Newberry said. “We are determined to be at our best when the world comes calling in 2010, and here at the airport, at the Horse Park, downtown and beyond, Governor Beshear has backed us every step of the way.”

The airport entryway is one of more than $66 million worth of airport improvement projects underway at Blue Grass Airport. Other projects include relocation of a crosswind runway, terminal interior and exterior renovations, sanitary sewer system improvements and refurbishment of the regional fire training center.

Blue Grass Airport, the Official Airport of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is served by six major airlines providing convenient non-stop serve to 12 major hub cities and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. 

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