Governor Kelly Announces Over $14M for 47 Aviation Projects Across Kansas

Topeka–Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.

“The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 81 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $42 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were selected from across the state and focused on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility to remote communities.

“Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.”

The KAIP receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires local matching funds of 10-50%, depending on the project. With local matching funds for these projects, the KAIP total project value this year is $22.9 million.

Approved area FY 2026 KAIP projects:

Dighton Airport, Dighton