Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03) announced that Louisville’s historic Bowman Field has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration to improve safety and infrastructure at the airport.
The funding is part of $898.9 million in nationwide projects awarded through the FY2021 Airport Improvement Program. This total includes $113.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan—legislation ushered through Congress by Yarmuth—which will be used to award all grants at a 100-percent federal share. This ensures that airports hit hard by the pandemic will be able to receive AIP grants without having to come up with their matching portion.
The grant will be used to make improvements to Bowman Field’s airfield lighting with upgrades to the existing lighting vault and updates for the airport’s navigational aids. These projects are part of on-going modernization efforts at the airport.
“Bowman Field is not just the birthplace of Louisville aviation, it remains a vital part of transportation and commercial business for our city, serving as our general aviation hub and a critical partner to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport,” said Yarmuth. “I’m so happy to see these federal investments being put to use improving safety and making this airfield an even more efficient and effective part of our city’s aviation infrastructure. For the American Rescue Plan to assist even further in helping cover the total cost is just another reason I’m proud to have led the effort to pass it and bring such wide-ranging relief to our area in this time of need.”
The American Rescue Plan funding will be used to cover $150,000 of the total $1.5 million cost for the project.
“We appreciate the continued support of Congressman Yarmuth for improvements at Louisville’s airports,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “Bowman Field is a gem in our community and we are committed to maintaining its current operational capabilities for years to come.”
Established in 1919, Bowman Field is one of the longest continuously operating general aviation airports in the United States.
Click here to learn more about Congressman John Yarmuth.
