WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced that the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), recently passed by Congress, includes $1 million in federal funding to support the Marion-Crittenden County Airport’s construction of a full parallel taxiway. This funding bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Congressman Comer led efforts in Congress to secure this funding, which will enhance airport safety and improve operational efficiency.
“I’m proud to have worked with local leaders to support the Marion-Crittenden County Airport Parallel Taxiway Project. The airport’s impressive growth in recent years, including the construction of additional hangars, makes a full parallel taxiway essential. Ensuring the safety of pilots, crews, and passengers remains a top priority, and I will continue working in Congress to support the airport’s continued growth,” said Congressman Comer.
“I am extremely grateful and appreciative for the funding being made available for the purposes of continuing to grow and make safety improvements to the James C. Johnson – Marion/Crittenden County Airport. This award confirms the continued efforts of Congressman Comer to ensure rural communities of the First Congressional District grow at a steady pace. I thank Congressman Comer for his continuing support of safety related transportation projects based on need within his district. Fortunately, our airport has continued to see significant growth over the past several years. That growth has increased the number of flights in and out of our General Aviation airport, stressing the need to construct the parallel taxi way for which these funds will be utilized to achieve,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive, Perry Newcom.
“I am extremely grateful to Congressman Comer for his work in securing the recently announced funding for the parallel taxiway project at the James C. Johnson–Marion/Crittenden County Regional Airport. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to ensure the highest level of safety for all aircraft operations at our airport,” said Marion/Crittenden Airport Board Chair, James C. Johnson
Background:
The Marion-Crittenden County Airport has grown exponentially over the last several years. With the addition of the hangars currently being constructed, the airport will soon be able to hangar approximately forty airplanes. These additional aircraft, coupled with the recent runway 600-foot extension, have significantly increased traffic. The absence of a full parallel taxiway at the Marion-Crittenden County Airport means planes must taxi down the center of the runway to take off and must taxi back down the center of the runway after they land to reach the terminal area. This situation creates an unsafe environment that increases the likelihood of a catastrophic accident at the airport. The addition of a full parallel taxiway would allow all aircraft utilizing the airport to operate safely.
“I’m proud to have worked with local leaders to support the Marion-Crittenden County Airport Parallel Taxiway Project. The airport’s impressive growth in recent years, including the construction of additional hangars, makes a full parallel taxiway essential. Ensuring the safety of pilots, crews, and passengers remains a top priority, and I will continue working in Congress to support the airport’s continued growth,” said Congressman Comer.
“I am extremely grateful and appreciative for the funding being made available for the purposes of continuing to grow and make safety improvements to the James C. Johnson – Marion/Crittenden County Airport. This award confirms the continued efforts of Congressman Comer to ensure rural communities of the First Congressional District grow at a steady pace. I thank Congressman Comer for his continuing support of safety related transportation projects based on need within his district. Fortunately, our airport has continued to see significant growth over the past several years. That growth has increased the number of flights in and out of our General Aviation airport, stressing the need to construct the parallel taxi way for which these funds will be utilized to achieve,” said Crittenden County Judge Executive, Perry Newcom.
“I am extremely grateful to Congressman Comer for his work in securing the recently announced funding for the parallel taxiway project at the James C. Johnson–Marion/Crittenden County Regional Airport. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to ensure the highest level of safety for all aircraft operations at our airport,” said Marion/Crittenden Airport Board Chair, James C. Johnson
Background:
The Marion-Crittenden County Airport has grown exponentially over the last several years. With the addition of the hangars currently being constructed, the airport will soon be able to hangar approximately forty airplanes. These additional aircraft, coupled with the recent runway 600-foot extension, have significantly increased traffic. The absence of a full parallel taxiway at the Marion-Crittenden County Airport means planes must taxi down the center of the runway to take off and must taxi back down the center of the runway after they land to reach the terminal area. This situation creates an unsafe environment that increases the likelihood of a catastrophic accident at the airport. The addition of a full parallel taxiway would allow all aircraft utilizing the airport to operate safely.