Kentucky Introduces New Airport Project Request Process for 2026
October 2026 | Abbie Jones Consulting, PSC
Kentucky's public-use airports have a new process for submitting airport improvement project requests, marking an important administrative change for airport managers, consultants, and infrastructure planning teams across the Commonwealth.
Beginning in September 2026, the Kentucky Department of Aviation (KDA) introduced the use of its online portal for airport project requests. The system is intended to provide a centralized method for submitting proposed projects to the state.
What Has Changed?
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Aviation, public-use airports will now use the KDA Portal when submitting airport project requests.
The state has also made additional resources available to assist airport personnel and consultants, including a user guide, instructional materials, and a project cost estimating tool.
The cost estimator is optional and is intended to assist with preliminary estimates when a proposed project has not yet advanced through design.
Why Early Project Planning Matters
Airport infrastructure projects frequently involve multiple phases of planning, evaluation, engineering, surveying, and coordination before construction begins.
Accurate existing-condition information is essential when considering improvements such as:
Runway and taxiway rehabilitation
Airport pavement improvements
Drainage and stormwater infrastructure
Airfield grading and site development
Utility improvements and supporting infrastructure
Boundary and topographic surveys, site evaluations, and preliminary engineering can help airport sponsors better understand project constraints and prepare realistic preliminary scopes.
Preparing for Future Improvements
For airport managers, the new submission process provides an opportunity to review anticipated capital improvement needs and organize supporting project information.
Although submitting a request does not guarantee funding, thoughtful project development can help establish the technical foundation for future planning and funding discussions.
AJC's Perspective
At Abbie Jones Consulting, PSC, we understand the importance of dependable surveying and engineering information in aviation projects. Our experience supporting airport infrastructure and aviation-related assignments gives us an appreciation for the coordination required to move projects from initial planning toward implementation.
As Kentucky introduces this new process, we encourage airport sponsors to become familiar with the portal and consider the technical information needed to support their proposed improvements.
Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Aviation, Airport Engineering and Construction, updated with the September 2026 Airport Project Request process.
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