WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Barkley Regional Airport Authority in McCracken County received $1,009,959 to support its operations during the coronavirus pandemic. The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was made available by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Senator McConnell negotiated and led to enactment in December.

“Barkley Regional Airport remains a strong engine driving the economic growth in West Kentucky. I’m proud to continue delivering for this critical infrastructure and the workers it supports,” said Senator McConnell. “With the construction of a new terminal, Barkley Airport is primed to climb to new heights. I’m proud the bipartisan relief legislation I negotiated is delivering additional resources to put wind at their backs.”

According to FAA, the funding can be used for costs ranging from operations and personnel to sanitization and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport.

"We would like to thank Sen. McConnell for looking out for airports like Barkley Regional Airport. We are incredibly grateful for his support as the pandemic continues to impact air travel negatively. These grant funds will enable us to continue to operate as we suffer significant losses from parking, fuel sales, passenger, and concession revenue," said Barkley Regional Airport Executive Director Dennis Rouleau.  

Rouleau said the total funding also includes $3,851 specifically to support Airport business partners, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Mid-America Pepsi. 

“The $3,851 will be divided among our rental car companies and the vending company that we utilize,” Rouleau added. “We are honored to receive these funds and pass them along with our airport partners who have, like us, been walloped by lower than normal passenger numbers over the last year."

Last year, Senator McConnell announced nearly $17.5 million in federal funding for Barkley Regional Airport, including a major award for the construction of a new airport terminal. Approximately $2 million came from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act), which Senator McConnell introduced and led to enactment. The CARES Act made a $13 billion impact to support Kentucky workers, small businesses and healthcare heroes.

“We appreciate the support of Senator McConnell in securing this on behalf of our airport,” said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce President. “Barkley Regional Airport is important to the economy of our local community. This funding will assist with continuing their operations during a time that airports and the airline industry have been so negatively impacted. Our airport and our community are preparing now for a full rebound after the pandemic.”

Across Kentucky, 11 airports have so far received a total of $13,467,502 from the December relief bill Senator McConnell negotiated.