Ribbon cutting held for new terminal at Barkley Regional Airport

WEST PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A ribbon cutting was held at Barkley Regional Airport in West Paducah on Thursday for a new terminal.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R) and his wife Elaine Chao spoke about the project.

Congressman James Comer (R-KY 1st District) the project was badly need in the theat and that there is a huge demand for this area to take Paducah to the next level.

Rep. Comer says he is excited about the community and investment. He says the project was badly needed in the area and that there is a uge demand for this area to take Paducah to the next level.

Gov. Andy Beshear sent a video that was played at the ribbon-cutting. Gov. Beshear said the terminal will “futher open up the doors to our western Kentucky region.”

• Previous terminal dated opened in 1953
• Planning and environmental reviews began in 2012
• Design began early in 2020 with ground-breaking in Nov. of that year
• Seven construction/equipment contracts spanning 32 months of construction
• More than 200 skilled workers involved to construct the terminal building and exterior site improvements
• Site Improvements
  • Nearly 200,000 cubic yards of earthwork
  • 22,000 tons of aggregate base
  • 14,000 tons of asphalt pavement
  • 550 cubic yards of concrete
  • Over 10 miles of utility lines, drainage pipes, and conduits
• New terminal is 25,100 square feet with modern amenities, accessible spaces for all passengers including two family restrooms, two Mothers’ rooms and a relief area for pets
• Terminal design elements include materials, textures, and artwork reflecting the local community and culture
• Funding
  • Total project cost of approximately $43 million
  • Nearly $33 million dollars from the FAA including funds from the “regular” Airport Improvement Program, the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act
  • $5 million from the Kentucky Department of Aviation
  • Over $5 million of local funding