XNA receives $4.6 million to complete taxiway rehabilitation project
by May 12, 2021 11:39 am 978 views
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, and U.S. Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., announced Wednesday (May 12) that Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill will receive a $4.65 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The money will be used for taxiway rehabilitation to support infrastructure enhancement and safety, according to a news release.
“There is no question that the Northwest Arkansas National Airport is a vital connector and economic engine in our community,” the legislators said. “The breadth of its impact is easily seen through the millions of Arkansans, travelers and businesses it serves. XNA is an integral part of our region’s infrastructure, and this strategic investment will fund needed taxiway enhancements to support the growth and operations of this premier facility.”
The project will consist of demolishing, removing and replacing nearly 3,200 feet of taxiway concrete, which is more than 20 years old. The reconstruction will support airport infrastructure and economic growth opportunities, according to the release.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the award of this grant,” said Sara Lilygren, chairwoman for XNA’s board of directors. “These funds are critical for the completion of the final phase of Taxiway Bravo’s reconstruction.”
The $4,647,248 DOT grant will come from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides money for the planning and development of airports that are significant to U.S. air transportation. The grant money is in addition to the recently-announced COVID relief and AIP entitlement funding.