(KAIR)--Paving the way for the planned construction of a museum at the Atchison Amelia Earhart Airport.

That's what the approval of grant funds will accomplish, in part, at that location, with the airport's fuel pumps to be moved as another step in the process of making the museum a reality.

The museum's primary focus will be Muriel, a 1935 Lockheed Electra L-10E, which is a match to the airplane flown by airport namesake Amelia Earhart.

The grant funding comes in an amount of more than $208,000, and is made possible through the assistance of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation.

Merrill Atwater serves as the Director of Aviation, and was at the Amelia Earhart Airport August 21 for the eclipse viewing party. "We just recently got a grant approved to move the fueling station they have here," Atwater told MSC News. "They're looking to expand and make a museum for Muriel."

Atwater says airports, such as Atchison's, are important to local economies, and that reason plays into the awarding of grants such as that received by Atchison. "I think it's extremely important to local communities like this, and it has such a historical name, and a historical place, so it's important to make sure that we always do the best we can for the airports like this."

According to the grant agreement document, the State of Kansas will fund 85 percent of the project cost, which carries an estimated price tag of $245,000. The remaining 15-percent, or $36,750 will be funded locally.

According to Atchison Director of Public Works, Justin Pregont, the City has an agreement in place with the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation to cover the cost.