U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a grant to the Big Sandy Regional Airport. The $60,000 Airport Improvement Grant will fund stronger, reinforced parking pads to accommodate increased helicopter traffic at this important eastern Kentucky airport.

“Helicopters are absolutely critical tools during emergencies and law enforcement response as well as regional business promotion,” said Rogers. “This funding is vital for the Big Sandy region as the airport has seen increasing air traffic and needs to meet the growing needs of the flying public. Both local and national business developers want to see the terrain they’ll be putting the next generation of businesses on and increased helicopter parking and landing access creates endless opportunities to showcase Martin, Pike, Johnson and Floyd counties. I applaud the FAA for their continued support of the airport.”

This grant funds the addition of concrete parking pads at the airport in order to maintain the increasing volume of helicopter flights. Since 2004, the airport has received federal grants of $331,000 for runway repairs and fencing improvements. Previously, the airport board won a competitive federal grant to examine bringing commercial air service to the region.

Grants are awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports, including improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. For small primary, reliever and general aviation airports, such as those in southeastern Kentucky, the grant covers 95 percent of eligible costs.

As a senior member of the House appropriations committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important projects in the fifth Congressional district.