HEBRON — A $236 million project to build a new north/south runway and extend another at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport should start in May, after the federal government finally kicked in more than half of the cost.

        The Federal Aviation Administration Monday said it would pay for about $131 million for the project, which has been proposed and planned for about eight years. The work should be completed in 2005.

        The size of the funding means the airport will probably not need to raise either landing fees charged to airlines — lessening the potential for higher fares on passengers — or the rent of concessionaires who operate the airport's shops.

        “That's a big number, es pecially when you look at what other airports are getting,” airport director of aviation Bob Holscher said at the monthly meeting of the Kenton County Airport Board.

        The airport has still ap plied to renew a per-ticket fee, or passenger facility charge, imposed for airport improvements. The $3 fee is set to expire in summer 2003, and airport officials are considering applying for the maximum $4.50 per ticket to pay for the balance of the runway project not covered by the federal funds.

        Airport officials plan to build a new 8,000-foot north/south runway on the western side of the facility, and extend the current 10,000-foot east/west landing strip by an additional 2,000 feet.

        The project is being touted as a way to reduce airport congestion, and airport officials say that even with the effects of Sept. 11, it will be needed.

        In fact, the officials say that by next month, the airport should be operating as many flights as the same time last year.

Archbishop addresses priest sex scandal
Church records subpoenaed in sexual abuse probe
New police watchdog proposed
Airport wins $131 million for runway expansion
FAA agent reveals security lapses
Inspector finds plenty of security breaches
PULFER: Bloated Oscar still has appeal
RADEL: Soldier's legacy: Comfort for other parents
Woman dies after stabbing
School leader's resignation stirs confusion
State awards play program
Fatal fight with father called self-defense
Fill-in negotiator joins profiling case
Good News: Cancer support strong
Local Digest
Recreation Notes
Woman accused of faking robbery
Middletown taps schools chief
Oxford promotes 'Green Tea Day'
Man jailed in assault case
S. Lebanon, neighbor OK land deal
Tributes developing for Vietnam era Marine
Ads urge gambling expansion
N.Ky. cheerleaders No. 1
Bridge study's value questioned
Ex-sheriff feared dead
Guard families in budget bind
Kentucky Digest
Manufactured-home bill unpopular in House
'Megan's Law' challenged
Ohio State president leaving
Proposed power bill faces scrutiny
Schools under federal decrees