Award Includes Nearly $816,000 in Additional CARES Act Funding
LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah was awarded $16,313,391 to construct a new airport terminal. These federal funds, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), include a $15,000,000 competitive federal grant, an $815,669 award from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and $497,722 in entitlement funds. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest financial rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week.
“For many years, I’ve worked to deliver for Barkley Airport and the City of Paducah. I’m proud they were selected for these federal resources to complete a new terminal building—fulfilling one of their highest priorities,” said Senator McConnell. “As the CARES Act continues to be implemented, Kentucky families, workers, small business and healthcare heroes are receiving more of the relief they need to overcome the coronavirus crisis. I’ll keep working as Senate Majority Leader to invest in Kentucky communities so our Commonwealth can punch above its weight.”
Barkley Regional Airport has already received $1,138,765 from Senator McConnell’s CARES Act. According to the FAA, the federal government will supply 100% of the funding, which normally requires a local match.
“Once again, thank you Senator McConnell for your support of the Terminal Project and for Barkley Regional Airport,” said Dennis Rouleau, executive director of Barkley Regional Airport. “This CARES Act funding will be used to meet our local share funding requirements. He recognizes and appreciates that Airports like Barkley are not only a vital transportation assets but an Economic Multiplier for the purchase region.”
“A new terminal for Barkley Regional Airport is a top priority for the Paducah Chamber,” said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce President. “We believe that on the other side of COVID-19 people are going to start traveling even more, and this new terminal will help our airport to be competitive in getting travelers to fly out of Paducah. We appreciate the support of Leader McConnell in securing these funds for our community.”
Senator McConnell’s COVID-19 relief legislation has delivered nearly $34 million to McCracken County, including for Mercy Health—Lourdes, Baptist Health—Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College and its students, and McCracken County first responders. The Senator recently visited Mercy Health—Lourdes to thank its healthcare heroes for their courageous dedication to patients on the frontlines of this pandemic.
In addition to these federal funds, the CARES Act has had a $12 billion impact in Kentucky so far. Senator McConnell’s legislation has delivered $3.9 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. Kentucky small businesses, farmers, and nonprofits accessed more than $5.2 billion in assistance through 50,000 PPP loans. Kentucky families have also received more than $3.8 billion in Economic Impact Payments from the U.S. Treasury.