ERLANGER, Ky. — Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) are set to receive millions in Airport Improvement Program grants from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airporty Improvement Program (AIP).

SDF will receive roughly $24 million while CVG will receive $45 million.

“This grant funding is critical to CVG and our airline partners, and we thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing that essential infrastructure investment ensures the long-term success of CVG and airports across the country,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer of CVG. “We are grateful for the support of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman Thomas Massie for their advocacy in support of this critical funding. These dollars will enable significant rehabilitation of one of our runways and associated taxiways.” 

Dan Mann, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, reacted to the funding.

“This is great news for Louisville’s airport,” said Mann. “As the fourth busiest cargo airport in the world and second in North America – it’s vital that we continuously improve our airfield to ensure it’s ready to meet the current and future needs for both our cargo and passenger airline partners.”

The funds come from an overall $1.2 billion in nationwide funding to support airport infrastructure projects like runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings.

“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in an issued release.  

CVG's allocation includes entitlement and discretionary AIP funding in addition to CARES Act funds for runway rehabilitation and associated taxiway projects.

At SDF, funding will go toward reconstruction of Taxiway G, pavement rehabilitation on both Parallel Runways and Taxiways B, D and E as well as improvements to airfield lighting and the lighting control system. These projects will support on-going noise mitigation efforts for homes around the airport.

Kentucky airports, including CVG, received CARES funding earlier in the year when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) announced $77.2 million for 55 Kentucky airports in April.