MOUNT VERNON – Ground was officially broken on Tuesday, Oct. 22, for a new aviation facility at the Knox County Airport.
Designed to provide the community with access to local aviation educational opportunities, the facility will feature a large hanger with classrooms that can be modified to accommodate various types of learning.
Officials involved with the project were present at the groundbreaking, including Ohio State Sen. Andrew Brenner, Rep, Darrell Kick, Knox County Commissioner Thom Collier, Andrea Reese from the Ohio State University Extension office, and Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, among others.
“This is going to be vital to Knox County and the region with all the growth that is coming, whether through Intel or other businesses just to the south,” Brenner said. “There’s going to be a lot of people moving into the area and thus a greater need for this airport and skilled professionals in aviation.”
Kick noted the possibilities the facility presents for local agriculture.
“It’s not just for kids learning about aviation,” he sasid. “It’s also about the potential for 4H projects, FFA projects, and training for drones, which are so prevalent now in many aspects of life.”
Mayor Starr said of the new facility, “this center will be a hub for learning, skill building, and exploration, fostering the next generation of aviators, engineers, and industry professionals.
Collier said, “The Knox County Airport is truly an economic driver in our community and we are blessed to have it.”
The project, estimated at roughly $1.5 million, is primarily covered by state capital funds.
The airport will cover the remaining costs through grants and a regional fundraiser. The grand opening is currently slated for the end of 2025.