Special to the Leader & Times

Gov. Laura Kelly has announced $18.9 million for 53 airport development projects across Kansas. By leveraging local matches, the awards will contribute $95 million in total improvements to the state’s aviation network.

The funding supports the planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports, which are critical to the state’s economy and emergency services. Projects in Liberal, Dodge City, Hugoton, Satanta and Sublette were among the grantees.

“Investing in Kansas’ airport infrastructure is crucial to enhancing the connectivity that fuels our local economies,” Gov. Kelly said. “Through bipartisan collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and community leaders, we are leveraging state dollars to make vital improvements that benefit the entire state.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation (KDOT Aviation) received 105 applications seeking a combined total of $38.87 million for this round of Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) grants. Projects were selected from around the state and focused heavily on maximizing the impact of state funding for pavement maintenance, safety enhancements, and air ambulance access improvements. 

“Kansas airports are important components of our overall transportation system,” said Secretary Calvin Reed, Kansas Department of Transportation. “The KAIP allows us to work alongside our local and federal partners to deliver a safe, reliable aviation network. By prioritizing safety and preservation, we are building a transportation system that works for all Kansans into the future.”

The KAIP program receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). For the first time, the program also considered multi-year projects to help smaller communities tackle larger-scale improvements.

“These projects have a meaningful, real-world impact,” said Courtney Smith, KAIP Program Manager. “Whether it’s helping Greensburg pave its runway years after it was decimated by a tornado, or helping Sublette and Chanute support life-saving air ambulance operations, these investments keep Kansas connected.”