One million dollars in federal Appalachian Regional Commission money could play a role in enhancing aviation education and regional economic growth around the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. The state has made that request to the ARC.
The funds would go to improve sewer line service from Berea to the airport. Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley participated in the announcement Friday. “With Eastern Kentucky University growing their aviation program along with current and future growth in the cities of Richmond, Berea, and Madison County, modernization and growth at this very airport is critical,” explained Fraley.
Governor Beshear is recommending the Appalachian Regional Commission approve the million-dollar infrastructure project for the city of Berea. Airport Board Chair George Wyatt said it carries both aviation education and economic development benefits. “EKU has a lot of requests for students to come to their aviation program and they can’t add any more students until we get our sewage system up to date. It is woefully out of date. We can’t sprinkle hangers or our new terminal building we’re proposing unless we get a large water line and pressure out here,” said Wyatt.
On the regional economic front, Wyatt noted the airport in Madison County sits within a 30-minute drive of nine industrial parks. Wyatt hopes to see the infrastructure project in place by next summer.
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