Congressman James Comer announced Friday that $1 million in federal funding has been secured to support the Marion-Crittenden County Airport’s construction of a full parallel taxiway. The funding, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, was recently passed by Congress and now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
According to a release from Comer’s office, he led efforts in Congress to secure this funding, which will enhance airport safety and improve operational efficiency.
Background information released says the Marion-Crittenden County Airport has experienced impressive growth in recent years. With new hangars currently under construction, the airport will soon accommodate up to forty airplanes. This expansion, combined with a recent 600-foot extension to the runway, has led to a notable increase in air traffic.
Currently, the airport does not have a full parallel taxiway. As a result, aircraft must taxi along the center of the runway before takeoff and after landing to reach the terminal. This setup poses safety concerns, as planes sharing the main runway heighten the risk of serious accidents.
Building a full parallel taxiway would enable safer operations for all aircraft at the Marion-Crittenden County Airport, helping to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers as the airport continues to grow.
