WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Tim Griffin (AR-2) and Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that four Arkansas airports will receive over $3.1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support facility upgrades and expansions.

“Local airports are a vital resource for Arkansas communities, attracting businesses and jobs and providing convenient travel options for residents,” Pryor said. “These funds will allow our airports to make important infrastructure improvements that will help them operate safely and efficiently.”

“Smart infrastructure investments encourage economic expansion in our communities, which in turn, creates jobs. This funding will help increase commerce and travel to our state and enable long-term growth and development,” Boozman said.

“Arkansas’s airports are central to the economic stability and growth of our state. Improving our infrastructure creates jobs here at home and helps maintain a high standard of safe travel for both Arkansans and welcome visitors,” said Griffin.

“Continued investment in Springdale Municipal Airport and our airports throughout the state means the continued growth of these cities and their contributions to Arkansas’s economy.  We are grateful for this grant funding,” said Womack.

This funding is supported by the FY14 omnibus appropriations bill, which was signed into law in January. The airports receiving funding are as follows: 

• Clinton: Clinton Municipal Airport will receive $150,694 to install a new taxiway lighting system to enhance safe airfield operations during low lighting conditions. 

• Little Rock: Bill and Hillary Clinton National/Adams Field Airport will receive $1,977,221 to acquire land for airport development and ensure compatible land use adjacent to airport boundaries. 

• Springdale:  Springdale Municipal Airport will receive $678,060 to construct an access road and enhance access to the airport.

• Texarkana: Texarkana Regional-Webb Field will receive $391,211 to rehabilitate the runway in order to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement.