TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation announced last week that La Crosse and WaKeeney are among nine communities that will receive funding under the second phase of the 2017 Kansas Airport Improvement Program.

According to a KDOT news release, the projects include runway improvement, fuel system installation and taxiway construction.

La Crosse will receive $607,433 for runway repair, and WaKeeney will get $441,000 to modernize the runway. According to KDOT, that includes updating lighting, striping and signage.

The nine airport sponsors will receive a total of $2.7 million in KAIP funding for projects costing an estimated $3.1 million. The cities must provide a matching funds ranging from five to 50 percent.

Director of Aviation Merrill Atwater said, “KAIP has not only funded key improvements at local airports, it has helped create a statewide aviation network that enhances both the health and economic wellbeing of the entire state.”

Earlier this year under phase one of the fiscal year 2017 program, 12 projects were selected for $2.25 million of funding, KDOT received 114 applications totaling $38.7 million.

Communities selected for phase 2 funding and the amount requested include:
Anthony – Extend runway, $990,000
La Crosse – Repair runway, $607,433
Lyons – Install Automated Weather Observation System III, $103,500
WaKeeney – Runway modernization (lighting, striping, signage), $441,000
Stafford – Land acquisition for development, $27,075
Herington – Construct airport fence, $21,000
Rose Hill-Cook Field – Relocate fuel system, construct ramp, $208,250
Lawrence – Reconstruct taxiway C, $154,800
Pleasanton – Install fuel system, $191,250