Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board

Rowan County airport part of federal grant to study future of electric
aircraft charging at Appalachian airports

Morehead – Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport is one of
36 general aviation airports to be included in a federal grant study on the
future of electric aircraft.
Kentucky is a partner to a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC) awarded to Ohio University.
The states of Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina, North Carolina State
University, local airport officials and researchers are all grant partners. The
team will work to evaluate technology needs at 36 general aviation airports,
half of which are in Kentucky. The grant also aims to expand the already
vital economic and public service role of aviation in the region.
The Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport, located
off North KY 80l in Farmers, is owned by the Morehead-Rowan County
Airport Board. It was completed in 2007. The asphalt runway is 6600 feet
long on a 325-acre site.
“Kentucky is already the electric vehicle battery production capital of the
world, and by participating in this project we’re working to become a leader
in the aircraft industry of the future,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “By bringing
new jobs, technologies and industries to Kentucky we’re making sure our
children never have to leave home to chase their dreams.” The
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant is a
product of the historic federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strengthen
economic opportunities through multi-state collaborative projects.
Researchers at the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and
Public Service (GVS) and the Institute of Transportation Research and
Education (ITRE) of North Carolina State University will spearhead the
yearlong project to identify the utilities and charging infrastructure required
to serve electric aircraft at 36 general aviation airports located in
Appalachian counties in Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina. This
information will provide models for financing and implementing necessary
infrastructure improvements at general aviation airports in the participating
states, and across Appalachia. Of Kentucky’s 58 public use airports, 18
general aviation airports will be included in the project. A list of all
participating airports is provided below. In Ohio, 14 general aviation airports
will be a part of the project and four will be included in North Carolina. As
the project’s director, Brent Lane of Ohio University observed,

“Appalachia’s more than 230 public general aviation airports must be
prepared to support the operational needs of electric aviation, or the region
will lose the benefits it offers.” Aviation is already important in Appalachia,
but aviation is changing as a new generation of sustainable electric aircraft
is emerging. These innovative aircraft, ranging from drones to passenger
airplanes, offer promising applications including delivering emergency
medical supplies and cargo, public safety services, and business and
regional transportation. Most of this activity will occur at the numerous
smaller general aviation airports which, though not offering commercial
flights, play important roles in their local economies.

– The Rowan County News, August 22,
2024