2 Arkansas airports among recipients in final round of fiscal 2021 grant program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $4 million to two Arkansas airports. The two airports are among 60 U.S. airports that were awarded more than $431.8 million in grants to build safer, more sustainable and more accessible airports, according to a Tuesday (Sept. 21) news release.

The money from the final round of fiscal year 2021 Airport Improvement Program grants will support the Springdale Municipal Airport and Malvern Municipal Airport. The previous will receive $3.85 million to extend the taxiway and install taxiway lighting, while the latter will receive $150,550 to extend the runway and seal runway pavement surface and pavement joints.

“To get passengers where they need to be safely and sustainably, we must make ongoing investments in our aviation system,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These grants will help fulfill our commitment to build a safer, more equitable and more sustainable future.”

The new projects will not have to pay the usual local match as a result of the nearly $100 million provided by the American Rescue Plan.

“With today’s awards, the FAA has provided $3.2 billion in airports funds this year to improve safety, environmental stewardship and accessibility,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “These grants support airport infrastructure across our National Airspace System, providing federal investment to communities of all sizes, from remote areas to major metropolitan cities.”

The Airport Improvement Program receives nearly $3.2 billion in funding annually. The FAA awarded more than 1,700 grants in 2021. The 2022 federal fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.