Governor Beshear announces new runway lighting, navigational aids for airports at Lake Barkley, Kentucky Dam Village state resort parks

FAA grants cover 95 percent of cost of ‘much-needed projects’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2010) – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced a project to install new runway lighting systems and make other safety and navigational improvements at the airports serving Lake Barkley and Kentucky Dam Village state resort parks. 

Federal Aviation Administration grants will cover 95 percent of the estimated $667,000 cost. 

“Being a native of western Kentucky, I know firsthand the importance of these very popular resort parks and their airports,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a much-needed project that will improve safety and should dramatically lower maintenance costs.” 

Runway lighting systems at both airports are about 30 years old and have repeatedly been damaged by lightning over the years. “Both systems are high maintenance, and parts of both systems are out of service,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock.  “With the availability of FAA grants, this is an opportune time to make these significant improvements.” 

“We appreciate the cooperation of the Transportation Cabinet on this project involving our park airports,” Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow said. “These safety improvements are important for our guests and allow us to keep this service operating at these two parks.” 

Five D Enterprises Inc., of Harlan, is the contractor for the project, which will include installation of runway lights at both airports. There also will be a new beacon at Lake Barkley and new lights on the parallel taxiway at Kentucky Dam Village.  Pilots can activate the lights and other navigational aids from the air. 

In addition, both airports will be outfitted with new equipment that assists pilots in landing – a precision approach path indicator, which helps orient a pilot vertically to ensure the aircraft does not touch down too soon or too late, and special flashing lights that identify the ends of a runway.