RICHMOND, Ky. (BNN)-- Congressman Andy Barr joined leaders from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and students of the air travel department for a statement that has the group stating, "The sky is the limitation."
President David McFaddin signed up with Barr to reveal that EKU's application for $3.5 million in federal financing was granted to build a $4.5 million basic aviation terminal at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. EKU will be matching $1 countless the financing awarded, bringing the total funding to $4.5 million.
Barr said this is fantastic news for the air travel market, specifically with the ongoing pilot lack.
" EKU is filling that space and supplying talented young pilots for our economy," Barr said.
EKU's aviation program has actually gotten a lot of attention, being the only four-year air travel degree program in Kentucky and serving more than 400 trainees with a 99% placement rate upon graduation.
" Aviation, specifically air travel exports, has actually ended up being a huge service for the Commonwealth. Whether it's UPS or Amazon, clearly all of the activity takes place both from the
Louisville Airport and the Northern Kentucky airport. To be able to supply these industries with brand-new pilots from right here in EKU is extremely, great for the Commonwealth of Kentucky," Barr stated.
University leaders like McFaddin eagerly anticipate the day the Central Kentucky Regional Airport can be the basic aviation terminal they envision.
" We stand here today with a chance to celebrate not just getting just enough to survive, but genuinely making an investment where we can flourish," McFaddin stated.
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It's a day aviation students like Sean Adkins won't forget.
"It's such a happiness to be able to go out and fly planes now that more trainees have that option and know about it. I had no idea, really entering into high school, so I think spreading awareness is excellent, especially for students coming right out of high school," Adkins stated.
Adkins stated the continuing growth of EKU's aviation program assures him that he made the best choice in the program.
"This is much-needed financing for our program. It'll really help raise where we are personally," Adkins said.
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