The grants, provided by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, will allow the airports to upgrade safety and security measures and to acquire rescue equipment.

“Infrastructure is the lifeblood of Rural America,” Berry said. “Maintaining our rural airports is a necessary step as the counties of Arkansas’ First Congressional District continue to be a place families and businesses want to stay and grow.”

The following Arkansas airports have been awarded grants:

·        $2,000,000 Walnut Ridge Regional Airport to rehabilitate the runway so as to improve aircraft safety;

·        $1,120,250 Jonesboro Municipal Airport to acquire an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, construct a building to assist with rescue and firefighting, and install guidance signs for the airport.