Barkley Airport Gets $5 Million For New Terminal

Barkley Regional Airport will get $5 million from the state of Kentucky to help fund construction of a new terminal.

Governor Andy Beshear visited the airport Monday morning to announce the grant. He said the new terminal will improve access and customer service, as well as encourage future growth in the area.

"Our $5 million, combined with $20 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, will go toward the project of building a new 30,000 square foot terminal building to accommodate more modern and efficient utilities," Beshear said. "It will be ADA compliant, so every member of this community can use it and everyone coming in to this airport will be welcome. It will also provide security upgrades, and be the type of terminal that I know this entire region can be proud of."

The new terminal will be built to the south of the current terminal. A new airport entrance is also being built, along with additional parking and a new terminal apron. Right now Barkley provides twice daily service to Chicago O'Hare on United Express Airlines. The improvements will allow additional airlines to operate and will accommodate larger aircraft. There will also be space for additional retailers.

Airport Board Chairman George Bray applauded the announcement.

"We are extremely grateful and appreciative of Gov. Beshear and his administration for this strong level of support for our new terminal project,” said Bray. “It shows that he understands that Barkley Regional Airport is indeed the ‘airport for our future’ as a region. We at the airport believe this new terminal will be the spark of many great things that lie ahead both on and around the airport, and throughout the region." Bray said.

McCracken County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer thanked Beshear for keeping his word to help get the project off the ground.

“Gov. Beshear has pledged to be a strong partner with our community to enhance our airport and support our economic development efforts. Today he made good on his promise." Clymer said.

Construction of the new terminal is expected to begin the spring of 2021, and is set be completed by the end of 2023.