Russellville airport receives $1.5 million for runway improvements

The Russellville Regional Airport will receive $1,575,212 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The investment will be used for infrastructure and safety improvement projects, including a runway overlay, which will improve the runway pavement strength, and upgraded runway lighting.

The DOT grant will be disbursed through the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Russellville Regional Airport has seen passenger traffic rapidly increase, with its economic impact nearly doubling in the last 10 years.

With usage of the airport growing, the runways and airfield light systems are in need of modernization to handle increased capacity, bolster runway strength, improve aircraft guidance, and support the safety of travelers.

Additionally, a local contractor will be handling the projects, ensuring that the funding is further invested in the community.

“The importance of this project to rehabilitate our runway making it safer and stronger is paramount,” said Keith Frazier, Russellville Regional Airport Director. “The upgrade of the lighting system to LED lights will provide an energy savings to the city and ultimately the taxpayer. This entire project of over $1.5 million dollars will be at zero tax cost to the taxpayers of Russellville. We appreciate the Congressional support we received for this and other programs.”

Congressman Steve Womack, R-Rogers, and U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., helped secure the funding.

“The Russellville Regional Airport is a vital transportation center that moves our residents, businesses, and economy. This funding will improve local aviation infrastructure to support traveler experience and facility operations. With the region continually growing, smart investments like this will keep the airport safe and modern,” Womack said.