U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1^st) along with Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln announced $702,515 in grants to multiple counties for improvements to area airports.

“Infrastructure is the lifeblood of rural America,” Berry said. “Improving 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 grants come from the Federal Aviation Administration and cover a variety of improvements:

Izard County

·        Calico Rock-Izard County will receive $135,375 to update the airport master plan study and install runway vertical and visual guidance.

·        Melbourne Municipal – John E Miller Field will receive $267,765 to install perimeter fencing and an airfield guidance sign.

Baxter County

·        Baxter County Regional will receive $40,500 to conduct an airport master plan study.

Lee County

·        Lee County-Marianna will receive $66,500 to conduct an airport master plan study.

Monroe County

·        Clarendon Municipal will receive $72,200 to conduct an airport master plan study, to rehabilitate the runway and to re-mark the runway.

Cleburne County