WASHINGTON, DC -- The Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport in Harlan County was recently awarded a $135,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the airport's master plan for future development. The grant award is part of the $3.18 billion Airport Improvement Program (AIP) that Congressman Rogers supported as a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Commitee.

"As we work to create new jobs and recruit new industries to Southern and Eastern Kentucky, we must ensure that our rural airports are accessible and reliable for business travel," said Congressman Rogers. "The Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport has one of the most beautiful views in the country, and I applaud members of the airport board for applying for important grant opportunities that are essential to maintaining and supporting aviation operations in the heart of coal country." 

According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs.

Approximately $2.7 million in FAA grants have been announced this summer for the following airports in Eastern Kentucky as part of the AIP program: London-Corbin Regional Airport in Laurel County, Big Sandy Regional Airport in Martin County, Wendell-Ford Airport in Perry County, West Liberty Airport in Morgan County, and Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport in Harlan County. 

In October 2018, Congressman Rogers and Governor Matt Bevin announced nearly $5 million for new projects in Harlan County during an event at the Tucker-Gutherie Memorial Airport. Those grants included funding for new fuel pumps at the airport, expanding sewer service in the county, and rehabilitation of Portal 31 and other tourism-related projects.