The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) passed several proposals to help build up infrastructure across the state at their November meeting.
One of these projects was the Sewer Line Extension Project at Madison County Airport. The project has been in the works for several years and acquired an ARC grant for $1.2 million, which initially funded the effort.
But John Brady, KIA board member, said in the time since that grant was received, several things have changed.
“Inflation spiked a lot, prices continued to rise each year, and the recent cost estimates do show that they need some additional funding for the project. Also, the loan was originally only for the sewer portion of the project and it does now include waterline upgrades as well. So, that combination of the delay in securing the funding and the significant increase in the cost due to inflation and that change in project scope is the reason for the increase request,” said Brady.
Brady said this endeavor would do a lot to boost the area.
“The goal of this project is to provide the necessary infrastructure to airports to meet their current and future demands. Wastewater collection and treatment services will be added, along with upgrading an existing water line. They currently have a septic system that’s approaching capacity, and then the water portion of the project will consist of 10,000 linear PVC, and this will increase their capacity and also improve fire protection,” said Brady,
The airport is used by Eastern Kentucky University for its flight school program. The proposal for a funding loan was passed by KIA and brings the total amount of secured funding to just over $1.17 million dollars.