Arkansas airports receive nearly $8 million in federal grants
by August 24, 2021 10:55 am 1,080 views
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday (Aug. 24) more than $766 million in grants, with about $8 million going to three Arkansas airports, including Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill.
The FAA funding comes from the fifth round of Airport Improvement Program grants that will pay for projects at 279 airports in 44 states and Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“These grants will improve safety, sustainability and accessibility at airports across our country,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said.
As a result of the American Rescue Plan approved by President Joe Biden, the projects will not require the usual local match because of the nearly $100 million provided in the law.
The following three Arkansas airports received the money in this round of grants:
- XNA will be given about $1.23 million to rehabilitate the taxiway.
- Drake Field in Fayetteville was awarded more than $6.13 million to rehabilitate the runway and install runway lighting.
- Texarkana Regional Airport will receive $602,443 to reconstruct the terminal building.
The Airport Improvement Program receives nearly $3.2 billion in funding annually. The FAA plans to give more than 1,800 grants in 2021.