WASHINGTON, DC - A $9 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) discretionary grant is headed to Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.  Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announced the grant Tuesday.

The money from the grant will be used for construction at the new Sparta airport in Gallatin County, Kentucky. Funding for the grant comes from taxes on airline tickets and aviation fuel.

"I've been a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since I came to Congress in 2012," said Rep. Massie. "This Congress, I serve on the Aviation Subcommittee, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and the Subcommittee on Water Resources (locks and dams). I sought to serve on these committees because the federal government has a legitimate role in maintaining interstate infrastructure. I'm excited to see how the new construction in Gallatin County will improve transportation for Kentucky's 4th district."

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Greg Thomas said, "Governor Bevin has been a moving force since the beginning of his Administration in getting this 15-year-long project off the ground by securing land for the airport that’s primed to spur economic development in this growing region of the state. I’d like to thank Congressman Massie for his role on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and the U.S. Department of Transportation for investing in the future of Kentucky."

United States Secretary of TransportationChao said, "The Department has been investing heavily in our nation's airport infrastructure, which will strengthen economic growth and create jobs in communities across the country."