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# Gov. Kelly announces nearly $19M for local airport infrastructure
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/gov-kelly-announces-nearly-19m-for-local-airport-infrastructure/
- Published: 2026-04-22T11:13:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-30T01:15:25.000Z
- Description: State funding leverages federal and local matches for $95 million in total aviation improvements.
- Author: Greg Loving
- Tags: hcj, dnn, #news, acj, avcj, dccj, empj, gccj, hays, hutch, ksu, lblcj, lcj, mcj, scj, tcj

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that the state is awarding $18.9 million to fund 53 airport development projects across Kansas, drawing on bipartisan-backed infrastructure funds to boost local economies and emergency services.

The grants are distributed through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program, which receives $15 million annually from the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. The 10-year transportation initiative, passed with broad bipartisan support in the Legislature, continues to serve as a primary vehicle for the Kelly administration's infrastructure priorities.

Kelly said state funding, combined with Federal Aviation Administration and local matches, will yield $95 million in total improvements to the state's aviation network.

The Kansas Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation received 105 applications seeking a combined $38.87 million for this round of grants. Fifty-three projects were selected, with a heavy focus on pavement maintenance, safety enhancements and improving air ambulance access.

Projects range from a $1.6 million allocation to pave a runway at Greensburg Municipal Airport to a $1.3 million grant for a new hangar and fuel tanks in Dodge City. The program also introduced multi-year phased projects this year to help smaller communities tackle large-scale improvements over time.

"Kansas airports are important components of our overall transportation system," KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed said. "By prioritizing safety and preservation today, we are building a transportation system that works for all Kansans well into the future."

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