WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1) and Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that two Arkansas airports will receive nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements to their facilities.

“Local airports are a vital asset for our communities, attracting economic development and providing efficient travel options for residents,” Pryor said. “These federal funds will make our airports safer and more environmentally-friendly, allowing them to better serve travelers and their local community.”

“In order to create jobs, you need an economy where long-term growth is possible. Infrastructure is vital to creating economic growth and our airports are an important piece of that puzzle. Improvements to these facilities with federal dollars will provide opportunities for economic development and future private sector job growth in Arkansas,” Boozman said.

“The Blytheville Airport in my district provides the region with an important option for commerce and travel. The funds from the Department of Transportation will make the airport safer for years to come,” Crawford said.

“Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is a transportation gateway that serves as a first-impression to visitors and a welcoming sight for those returning home,” Womack said.  “I am pleased that the federal funds awarded to the airport will be used to enhance its sustainability efforts, making it an even more valuable community resource.”

The airports receiving funding are as follows:

• The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport will receive $270,000 to create a Sustainable Master Plan, which will outline the airport’s sustainability goals and initiatives.  This plan will allow the airport to reduce its environmental impact, realize economic benefits, and improve community relations.

• The Arkansas International Airport in Blytheville will receive $707,596 to rehabilitate its current runway lighting system that has reached the end of its useful life.  The rehabilitation is needed to ensure safe airfield operations in low visibility conditions.