The Associated Press

SPARTA, Ky. - Plans for a new regional airport in Northern Kentucky moved forward this week as officials released a study suggesting three possible locations.

The sites are located in Gallatin County within miles of Kentucky Speedway, according to a feasibility study conducted by HMB Professional Engineers in Frankfort. The airport, with an estimated cost of $10 million to $15 million, would serve small aircraft in Carroll, Gallatin and Owen counties.

Kentucky Speedway President Mark Simendinger, who serves as chairman of the Tri-County Regional Airport board, said construction could begin in 2006.

The airport would be sandwiched between Louisville International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. But the study found that owners of 74 small planes would be interested in housing their aircraft at the regional airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, it would be the fourth-largest regional airport in Kentucky.

Officials have renewed interest in a new airport because industry in the area has been growing. For example, Belterra Casino in Indiana, which is six miles away from the racetrack, is scheduled to complete a $35 million expansion in May.

HMB will examine the three possible sites for six months before recommending a selection.