Ribbon cut to open new $43 million terminal at Barkley Regional

The wraps were officially taken off the new $43 million terminal at Barkley Regional Airport on Thursday, as national, state, and local officials headlined what many referred to as a "big deal" for western Kentucky.

Kentucky's senior Senator Mitch McConnell along with his wife, former United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao spoke, as did Congressman James Comer. All three were instrumental in getting $32 million in federal funding to cover a majority of the costs for the new facility. 

Secretary Chao said that 20 years ago a new terminal in Paducah was just a dream, but after her staff visited the original facility, she said this new complex was an "easy sell" and became a priority. Chao commended Paducah and McCracken County for the support for the project from not only elected officials but also the business community. She said, "Anytime a community can speak with one unified voice, it will be successful." 

McConnell, in offering congratulations to Barkley Executive Director Dennis Rouleau and his team, said, "This is a big deal, today. That's why we have a lot of people here... a really big deal, a long time in coming." The Senator also spoke of the facility's positive impact and said, "This terminal is tangible proof of Paducah's impressive ability to grow and evolve, but also the region's long history of forward thinkers."

Congressman Comer opened his remarks by saying, "This is what happens when the community works together, and I just want to thank everyone in this great community for having this vision and setting goals and working together to achieve those goals." Comer said one of the challenges for Paducah is to get more flights and more carriers flying out of Barkley. He pledged his support to help make that happen. 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray spoke on behalf of the Commonwealth, although Governor Andy Beshear sent a video statement of congratulations to the community. 

McCracken County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer, Paducah Mayor George Bray, Paducah Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Brent Housman, and the chair of the airport authority Jay Matheny all spoke, as well, ushering in a new era of air travel to Paducah and western Kentucky. 

The new 25,000-square-foot terminal replaces the original which opened in 1953.

Contour Airlines is currently the essential service carrier at Barkley Regional offering flights to Charlotte, North Carolina.