WASHINGTON, DC - The Wendell H. Ford Airport in Perry County was recently awarded a nearly $180,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a new 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. "A new master plan for the Wendell H. Ford Airport will help prepare Perry County for future growth and development. I applaud the Hazard-Perry County 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.