The first phase of $1.4 million in improvements at Madison Airport began Tuesday afternoon with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
According to Willie Walker, airport board chair, this is the first step in improving aviation services for the community and also benefit the Eastern Kentucky University aviation program.
The first phase includes enlarging the apron into what is now the automobile parking lot and construction of a larger lot for cars and trucks. Also, EKU will build a new hanger to shelter its aircraft.
“With this expansion we can have more corporate, local and EKU traffic,” Walker said. “I think this is a very major thing for the development of the county.”
U.S. Andy Barr, R-Sixth District, was present and shared his thoughts on what the expansion will mean.
“The airport is a critical thing for EKU with the aviation program being one of its kind in the commonwealth and, frankly, one of the leading programs in the nation, as far as aviation training goes,” Barr said. “There are multiple phases to go, but it is great to see all of the other partners here today that have made this possible.”
State legislators and the mayors of Richmond and Berea were present for the ceremony along with other community leaders who shared their excitement about seeing the airport “take off.”
The airport is jointly owned by county government and the two cities.
http://www.richmondregister.com/news/local_news/article_6cd27f2e-4916-11e4-a019-5b77cec7c211.html