Airport construction could start as early as November or in the spring of 2020.
Matt Bevin helps break ground on the new Gallatin County Airport. Photo via @GovMattBevin.
(Frankfort, Ky.) – Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was among several state officials to break ground on a new airport near Sparta.
The Gallatin County Airport is being built to serve the business needs of the Interstate 71 corridor from Louisville to Cincinnati.
The airport, which will be Kentucky’s 58 general aviation facility, has received funding through the Federal Aviation Administration. They awarded a $9 million Airport Improvement Program discretionary grant in July for the construction of the new airport.
“We are excited today to officially break ground on the Commonwealth’s newest airport here in Gallatin County,” said Gov. Bevin. “This long-anticipated project will bring aviation access to Northern Kentucky’s I-71 corridor, enhancing emergency response capabilities, economic growth, and recreational opportunities for the entire region.”
Excited to officially break ground on KY’s newest airport here in Gallatin County...
— Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) October 22, 2019
This long-anticipated project will bring aviation access to NKY’s I-71 corridor, enhancing emergency response capabilities, economic growth, & recreational opportunities for the entire region. pic.twitter.com/iAC6a5Lnlx
Airport construction will take place in three phases.
Phase one work will last just under a year and will include clearing and grading the land. Work could start as early as November or in spring of 2020.
Phase two, which could take up to two years, includes runway construction and the installation of lighting and striping. Once completed the facility would be open for use.
The third phase of work would include the construction of box hangers for corporate and large aircraft, T-hangers for small business and private aircraft, a terminal and on-site fuel systems.
The Kentucky Department of Aviation estimates that 30-50 aircrafts will be based at the airport once hangar space is available and around 13,000 take-off are expected per year from the new airstrip.
The new airport will also feature an access road and connector to I-71 exit 55, providing efficient road access to industries in the tri-state area.
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