Gov. Beshear Announces $1 Million Federal Grant To Build New Terminal at Capital City Airport in Frankfort

Kentucky United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet

Andy Beshear, Governor

Jim Gray, Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Naitore Djigbenou
502-782-4829
Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov

Allen Blair
606-748-3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov

Gov. Beshear Announces $1 Million Federal Grant To Build New Terminal at Capital City Airport in Frankfort

Funding will modernize airport used for business, state fleet services and emergency response air travel

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced one of Kentucky’s four state-owned public use airports received a $1 million federal grant to construct a new terminal building in Frankfort. Travelers at the Capital City Airport will benefit from a more modern facility that better meets the needs of a variety of users, including recreational pilots, businesses, state officials and emergency responders.

“Aviation is a critical industry that supports Kentucky’s booming economy and provides a crucial mode of transportation to communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m grateful for the bipartisan support it took to make this possible, as this funding will boost our state’s investment in much-needed upgrades at the airport.”

The grant comes from the Federal Aviation Administration program known as the Airport Infrastructure Grant that was powered by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress. These funds can be used for airport terminal development projects that address aging national infrastructure. This significant federal support underscores the importance of airports as critical transportation hubs for economic development and community well-being. Approximately $5 million in state funding will go toward the construction project.

The project is anticipated to be under contract by the end of 2024 with construction expected to start in 2025.

The Kentucky Department of Aviation (KDA), under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, oversees the airport and applied for the grant. The funded airport, Capital City Airport, is a vital economic engine for the region, generating significant impact on both state and local levels. With over 80 based aircraft, the airport supports over 361 jobs, contributing to a diverse local workforce. Additionally, the airport facilitates over 2,000 flights across 39 states, connecting Frankfort and Kentucky to the broader national economy. The airport fuels a substantial multimillion-dollar contribution in tax revenue, benefitting state and local infrastructure, services and programs.

“This is a big win for Kentucky’s aviation industry, and we’re grateful for the investment to modernize the airport’s terminal and enhance the experience for business leaders and tourists who take off and land from our capital’s airport,” said KDA Commissioner Mark Carter. “Airports are vital to the community, serving as gateways for economic growth and connecting us to broader opportunities.”

Kentucky has 58 public use airports. Since 2020, the Beshear Administration has invested $72.3 million in local, general aviation airports for capital and maintenance projects to improve airport infrastructure. Examples of projects include runway overlays, new lighting, and apron expansions.  In 2023, Gov. Beshear joined local officials to celebrate the opening of the 58th public use airport in Gallatin County.

For more information about the Capital City Airport, visit transportation.ky.gov/aviation.

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Editors: A MediaBox of photos of the Capital City Airportis available online.