BENTONVILLE (KFSM) – The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) is set to receive $2.2 million in grant money, according to a news release.
Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., together announced that multiple Arkansas airports are set to receive $4.1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to support upgrades and expansions, the release states.
“Arkansas airports play a central role in advancing our state’s economic capabilities,” Pryor said. “By making these infrastructure investments, we are ensuring that our local airports can continue to meet the growing needs of Arkansas’s businesses and travelers.”
The XNA airport is set to receive $2,208,611, and the airport will use the money to widen a taxi lane, allowing bigger aircraft to access the concourse. Terminal expansion costs will also be covered by the grant money. It was expanded to meet an increasing airport passenger demand, according to the release.
“These grants will provide Arkansas’ airports with safety and efficiency improvements to meet the demands placed on our infrastructure,” Boozman said. “These airport investments are important for long-term growth and development in Arkansas as we continue to recruit businesses to our state.”
Also receiving grant money is the Waldron Municipal Airport. The airport is set to receive $40,500 to rehabilitate its runway and taxiway and full reconstruct apron pavement, the release states.
The Paris Municipal Airport is set to get $486,000 to rehabilitate and widen its runway, according to the release.
“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is essential, and these grants will allow our airports to update and expand, ensuring they are able to support and encourage Arkansas’ economy and population as they continue to grow,” Womack said.
