OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) — The manager of the Owensboro-Daviess County Airport says the facility will exceed 30,000 boardings in 2012 — up from 508 four years ago.

Airport Manager Bob Whitmer told the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer (http://bit.ly/Ug1brs ) the official Federal Aviation Administration figures won't be released until June, but his internal count puts the number at or near 30,000.

The 30,000-plus passenger count in 2012 represents a meteoric rise since 2008 when the airport saw 508 boardings.

The current Essential Air Service Provider, Cape Air, began offering $49 one-way tickets to and from St. Louis. Whitmer says those flights have been well received.

The increased boardings translates to more money for the airport. When airports reach 10,000 passengers annually, the FAA increases the level of funding it provides for improvements from $150,000 to $1 million.

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Information from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, http://www.messenger-inquirer.com