XNA Airport Lands $3.4 Million Grant, Six Other Airports Also Receive Funds

The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) will receive a $3,430,505 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funding will be used to continue upgrades at the airport, including the widening of a taxi lane near Concourse A for larger aircraft to access the backside of the concourse and the purchase of a power sweeper to keep the airfield clear.

Funds will also be used to update the existing master plan and identify future growth and development needs. Finally, the grant will be used to reimburse costs expended during the expansion of the terminal building.

“We could not be more pleased with the award of this much-needed grant. Our sincere thanks go to our Congressional delegation and our partners at the FAA for their continued support,” said Kelly Johnson, Airport Director of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority.

Arkansas’ two senators and Third District Congressman Steve Womack (R ) said the money will help with the tremendous population growth in northwest Arkansas.

“As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, the infrastructure must be able to sustain the region’s rapid transformation. This grant will help move the recent expansion at XNA, which has already improved efficiency and safety for travelers, to the next level and, in turn, bring additional economic development to the area,” said Sen. John Boozman (R ).

“Anyone who has flown in or out of Northwest Arkansas knows that XNA is a top-notch airport—whether it’s the facilities, safety, or efficiency,” Sen. Mark Pryor (D) added. “Today’s grant will allow the airport to build on this momentum. I look forward to helping XNA as they continue to expand and meet the growing needs of Northwest Arkansas.”

“Northwest Arkansas Regional served over 1.1 million passengers last year,” said Womack. “This grant funding will ensure that XNA can continue to provide safe and efficient trips for these and the growing number of travelers who visit Northwest Arkansas for business, for leisure, or for both.”

Six other airports in Arkansas will receive over $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure upgrades. They include:

Benton: Saline County Regional Airport will receive $350,000 to rehabilitate, rejuvenate, and seal coat the runway and general aviation apron.

Brinkley: The Frank Federer Memorial Airport will receive $388,124 to rehabilitate its apron. The existing pavement has reached the end of its useful life.

Heber Springs: The Heber Springs Municipal Airport will receive $265,937 to update its runway lighting system, which is needed for safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions. Funding will also be used for a new runway vertical/visual guidance system to make the airport more accessible.

Helena-West Helena: The Thompson-Robbins Airport will receive $180,000 to rehabilitate the current taxiway lighting system.

Mena: The Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport will receive $212,130 to rehabilitate its connector taxiway pavement.

Stuttgart: The Stuttgart Municipal Airport will receive $92,232 to rehabilitate the apron pavement. Funds will also be used for drainage improvements, which will help the airport better handle storm water runoff.