U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (pictured in the middle of the front row) met with local government officials Friday to discuss Manhattan Regional Airport funding and CARES Act deadlines. (photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran may soon look into obtaining more federal funding for Manhattan Regional Airport.
The airport is currently in need of a runway reconstruction that could cost the city, which is currently in a budget crunch, about $6.7 million.
The Federal Aviation Administration could cover the remaining cost of about $29.5 million, but Moran wants to see if they can cover more.
“We want to see if there is opportunity for them to be altered that would be beneficial and that has to do with the width of the runway and the depth of the pavement or asphalt that makes up the runway, ” Moran said. “What more can the FAA compensate for in that construction.”
Moran says legislation that he introduced could allow Fort Riley to pursue funds that would benefit Manhattan and its airport.
“This airport is certainly important to the region, but it’s particularly important to Fort Riley and its ability for readiness to be able to deploy quickly, for bringing members of the military, as well as the generals and others who visit Fort Riley, to the area,” Moran said.
Manhattan Regional Airport is experiencing a down year financially due to the pandemic.
It’s projected to reach about 31.500 enplanements by the end of 2020, which is down more than 50 percent from 2019.
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