It may even strengthen our sphere of influence. Mike Buchanon, Warren County judge executive

Considering the possibility of an airpark system in eastern Kentucky wont hurt a similar facilitys development in southcentral Kentucky, Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon said. Appalachian Regional Commission and the state Transportation Cabinet is funding a $164,000 study that will look at the 24 general aviation airports in ARCs 49-county region and determine which of the existing airports could be developed in a regional air cargo industrial hub, Gov. Paul Patton said Thursday. Warren County already has completed more than a year of study on Kentucky TriModal Transparks feasibility. The 3,800-acre transpark, which would include business and industry locations, would be served by air, rail and road. A consultant now is narrowing possible sites for the park, and Warren County already has received $6 million in state funds for the project. The ARC grant funding request was a follow up to this past summers Appalachian Summit, which focused on that regions economic needs, Patton said. Buchanon attended that summit, part of which focused on the need for intermodal transportation. They recognized at that conference that the lack of a good transportation system was a primary reason for slower economic growth in Appalachia, Buchanon said. And an intermodal transportation facility within the ARC region would strengthen its economic base. Buchanon said the ARCs study shouldnt impact funding for the proposed transpark. It may even strengthen our sphere of influence since some ARC counties are on the eastern edge of the region that would be served by and benefit from the transpark, he said. Its not clear what funding will be available for the proposed southern Kentucky project, but Inter-Modal Transportation Authority members continue to discuss their plans with the Federal Aviation Administration. ITA representatives met Tuesday with FAA officials in Memphis, Tenn. The meeting went well and we should be on their NPIAS plan in April, ITA Vice President Melinda Hill said. A project must be included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems before receiving FAA funding consideration. The ARC study is expected to take from 10 to 12 months to complete.