LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is working on a $400 million renovation, and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell came to town Tuesday to hear an update on the progress.

In December 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Louisville's airport would receive $13.3 million per year for five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Dan Mann, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, said several projects benefitted from federal money. For example, federal money paid for most of the $21 million installation of geothermal wells to help heat and cool the airport. There's also a project to insulate homes neighboring the airport to cut down on noise pollution.

"Some of this would not have been possible -- or if it would have, it would have taken three to four years longer -- without these funds," Mann said.

Mann said a big priority includes updating "Taxiway Bravo" for smoother UPS operations. Additionally, investments need to be made inside the airport to expand security checkpoints, update restrooms and jet bridges.

To continue to work on those improvements, the airport will apply for another federal grant of about $15 million in October.

"I love what we've done," Mann said. "We've got a state-of-the-art (communications) center now, I think probably the best in the country. When we get done with this, we're going to have a very efficient terminal building. It's going to be great for the customer."

Mann said the airport will likely find out about the additional grant in January. 

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