Congressional Delegation Says XNA Lands $19.5 Million Grant

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D) and John Boozman (R), along with Congressman Steve Womack (R-Rogers) announced a $19.5 million grant to rehabilitate the runway at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

“Today’s announcement is great news for northwest Arkansas, which has been eagerly waiting on federal funds to complete this vital airport improvement project,” Pryor said. “In conjunction with the $10 million provided by the Department of Transportation last month, these funds will allow XNA to accommodate even greater airport traffic and provide a better travel experience for Arkansas residents.”

“The recent expansion of XNA means more traffic in and out of the airport. While this is great for economic growth in the region, it’s tough on the airport’s aging infrastructure.  This grant will help XNA maintain the quality runways necessary to maximize the airport and give the region the most bang for our buck in terms of economic development,” Boozman said.

Airport officials said the grant will allow for an acceleration of the runway rehabilitation project. They estimate the work could be completed by the end of 2013.

“An airport is only as good as its runway, and this significant grant will allow Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to perform a necessary runway rehabilitation,” Womack said.  “This sizable investment of federal funds will be utilized to ensure the future viability of one of Northwest Arkansas’ key components of transportation infrastructure.”