The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $12.3 million in grants for upgrades at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock and Texarkana Regional Airport.
The airport in Little Rock was awarded $8 million to support the second of four phases of the construction of a new 70,000-SF utility plant. The second phase calls for drainage and utility relocation, and the replacement of two switchboards.
The airport in Texarkana was awarded $4.3 million to fund the final phase of construction for a new terminal building. Funds will help complete exterior site work, which includes accessible sidewalks, security fencing, concrete driveways, and impact-rated bollards.
The grants are a portion of $1 billion awarded this year to 99 airport projects across the U.S. under the FAA's Airport Terminal Program. The program is designed to improve the passenger experience by investing in new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints and improved ground transportation.
It also aims to increase terminal sustainability and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Several grants will address the needs of aging air traffic control towers.
The program is funded through President Joe Biden's infrastructure law. Over the course of the program, $5 billion in grants will be awarded.
Last year, Northwest Arkansas National Airport received $13 million through the program and Texarkana Regional Airport received $5 million.
