PITTSBURG, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports, including nearly $1.4 million for several projects in Southeast Kansas.
“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,” Kelly said in a press release. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”
The grant awards include $153,000 to Allen County Airport to replace an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), as well as $157,500 for taxiway rehabilitation. Fort Scott Municipal Airport is also receiving $57,600 for taxiway rehabilitation.
Coffeyville Municipal Airport, meanwhile, is being awarded funding for a crack seal and runway remarking project, with $42,750 for the project’s design phase and $229,500 for construction. Chanute Martin Johnson Airport will receive $424,570 for its north apron reconstruction project, along with an additional $180,000 for perimeter fencing. Independence Municipal Airport will receive grant funding for a rotating beacon/tower project, including $23,750 for the project’s design and $112,500 for construction.
“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “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 percent of the total project, according to the governor’s office. 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 KDOT Aviation Division Director Bob Brock. “We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”
