$5 million awarded for new terminal at airport in western Kentucky

PADUCAH, Ky. (WTVQ) – Barkley Regional Airport is set to receive a five-million dollar state grant to build a new terminal.

Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement Monday. He says the funding will come from the Kentucky Department of Aviation.

Beshear says that, combined with a $20,000,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, will help build a new 30,000 square foot terminal building to accommodate more modern and efficient utilities, ADA compliant bathrooms and security upgrades.

Officials say after beginning as a military surplus airport to facilitate B-17 Bomber Crew Training in 1941, the airport serviced its first commercial flight in 1946.

The airport is named for former Vice President Alben Barkley, who was still alive when the current terminal was built.

Local officials say they have been working to secure funding for the new terminal for more than 10 years.

The Barkley Regional Airport is one of six commercial airports in the state and provides twice-daily service to Chicago O’Hare on United Express Airlines operated by Sky West Airlines.

The project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2021 and be completed by the end of 2023.