Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will be providing $13 million in funding to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) for important infrastructure upgrades. The funding will support the expansion of security operations for passengers and upgrade the airport's power supply systems.

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport will receive $7.5 million to expand security operations for passengers. This will include the addition of four screening lanes to the existing security checkpoint, enhancing safety and efficiency for travelers. Additionally, the airport will receive $5.5 million to upgrade its power supply systems, ensuring continued operations during emergencies and power outages.

Senator McConnell played a crucial role in securing this funding by supporting SDF's competitive grant application for the project. The grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminal Program, which was established as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator McConnell led the IIJA to Senate passage in 2021, and it was subsequently signed into law by the President.

In a statement, Senator McConnell expressed his satisfaction with the investment, saying, "With SDF celebrating several of its busiest years on record, it's essential we continue to invest in delivering a safe, efficient experience for the many passengers and cargo traveling through the Commonwealth each day. This federal funding will enhance safety for both passengers and personnel and is critical for the airport's continued operation. I'm pleased to see today's investment go to good use at SDF, and I'm proud the bipartisan infrastructure bill I negotiated continues to deliver wins for Kentucky's communities."

Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, also expressed gratitude for Senator McConnell's support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Mann stated, "It is important to acknowledge and thank Senator McConnell for his support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in critical infrastructure for our nation's airports. SDF has experienced record-setting growth, and these two grants will improve the efficiency and security of our power systems as well as increase much-needed screening capacity at the TSA security checkpoint."

The funding secured by Senator McConnell will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With these infrastructure upgrades, the airport will be better equipped to handle the increasing number of passengers and cargo traveling through its gates.

This investment is a testament to the success of the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the dedication of Senator McConnell to the improvement of Kentucky's communities. By securing federal funding for crucial projects like these, Senator McConnell continues to deliver wins for the state and support its ongoing development.