Ground was broken today for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility at Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport. It’s the fourth in five phases of renovations and expansions at the airport.
The new, $15 million state-of-the art project will be one of the best facilities in the country once it’s completed in about 18-months. Bluegrass Airport Director of Safety and Operations, Scott Lanter said the building has been well thought out over the last few years and was designed in part by the men and women who will us it every day, the firefighters. It will have sound proof sleeping quarters to prevent sleep deprivation, a four-bay parking station with direct access to the airfield, an improved command center and all the latest technology. The project is being paid for through Federal Aviation Administration airport improvement grants, airport operating revenue and passenger facility charges.
569 grants have been given to 522 airports, which will fund infrastructure projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, and snow removal equipment. $10.1 million went to Bluegrass Airport. Operating revenue and passenger charges are also funding this project. 1.3 million people fly in and out of Lexington every year.