Fort Campbell to receive over $50 million for new air traffic control tower, Chinook hangar

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell announced that federal dollars will funder modern infrastructure updates at Fort Campbell.

By Christian County Now November 13, 2025 4:29 pm

Christian County NowA Black Hawk and a Chinook helicopter from Fort Campbell conduct a flyover on April 13, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On the same day that the longest government shutdown American history ended, it was announced that over $50 million in federal funds has been allocated to Fort Campbell in an effort to modernize military infrastructure throughout the state.

On Nov. 13 U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said that a total of $147 million was secured for military construction projects at several Kentucky military facilities including Fort Campbell, Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Knox, and the Kentucky National Guard. The funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

New air traffic control tower and hangar

$45 million in federal funds is designated for the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Campbell Army Airfield. The existing tower, built in 1975, is among the oldest still in use in the U.S. Army and supports the critical operations of the 101st Airborne Division and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, according to a news release form McConnell’s office. A new tower will be more capable of supporting Campbell Army Airfield’s high tempo of operations, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Additionally, $11 million in federal funding will go toward the planning and design of a modernized hangar at Campbell Army Airfield to provide needed space for CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. McConnell says a new hangar would accommodate the significant increase in Chinooks stationed at Fort Campbell and enhance the Campbell Army Airfield’s readiness and operational effectiveness in support of the 101st’s operations.

“The Military Affairs Committee is proud to stand beside the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms. Our mission has always been to ensure they are supported, equipped, and prepared for success, both in service and at home,” said Shannon Lane, director of Christian County Military Affairs. “We are deeply grateful for Senator McConnell’s enduring leadership and his tireless advocacy for Fort Campbell. His commitment continues to strengthen not only the installation but the entire community that supports it.”

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