Press Releases

Washington, DC—February 19, 2020….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced the release of federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for upgrades at three Arkansas regional airports in Bentonville, Flippin, and Siloam Springs. The investments will be used for significant infrastructure and safety improvement projects, including runway enhancements, upgraded taxiway lighting, and airport land expansion.

Congressman Womack said, “Arkansas’s airports provide a gateway for residents, travelers, and businesses alike. Modernized infrastructure is critical to driving economic opportunity and meeting the needs of our communities. These investments will improve safety and efficiency at key transportation centers, delivering improved facilities for Arkansans. I appreciate Secretary Chao and the Trump Administration for their continued work to support the Third District.” 

The investments are supported by FY2020 appropriations funding, which Womack voted to pass and was signed into law in by President Trump in December. The airports receiving funds include:

• Bentonville Municipal Airport – Bentonville, $1,641,500 – The grant will allow for the installation of a new lighting system to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions. Additionally, it will fund the construction of parallel and connector taxiways to improve ground movement operations by eliminating the need for an aircraft to back-taxi on the runway.

• Marion County Regional Airport – Flippin, $171,500 – Marion County Regional airport will use the funding to purchase land that will provide for enhanced aircraft approaches and future development.

• Smith Field – Siloam Springs, $ 238,500 – This funding will enhance safety and modernize infrastructure by making needed investments to reconstruct the taxiway lighting system.

The DOT grants will be disbursed through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports that are significant to national air transportation. Congressman Womack, who sits on the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, has continually fought for federal investments that improve vital infrastructure, create jobs, and support residents throughout the Natural State. 

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.

womack.house.gov

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