U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln and Representatives Marion Berry and John Boozman today announced several grants awarded to improve regional airports throughout Arkansas.

The delegation said that the U.S. Department of Transportation grants, totaling more than $992,519 for regional airport improvements in Arkansas, include funding for long-term planning, safety enhancements and security upgrades.  The following grants have been awarded:

Blytheville Municipal (City of Blytheville)

• To receive $402,237 to widen and rehabilitate a taxiway to the FAA standard width and promote safety.

Carlisle Municipal (City of Carlisle)

• To receive $245,000 to improve runway safety by improving the grading and drainage in the runway safety area, rehabilitating a taxiway, remarking the airport and installing taxiway reflectors.

Forrest City Municipal (City of Forrest City)

• To receive $30,000 to assess the feasibility of a new regional airport through the Delta Regional Airport Authority.  The Delta Regional Airport Authority will manage the grants on behalf of the two cities who are equally sharing the cost of the study.

Wynne Municipal (City of Wynne)

• To receive $30,000 to assess the feasibility of a new regional airport through the Delta Regional Airport Authority.  The Delta Regional Airport Authority will manage the grants on behalf of the two cities who are equally sharing the cost of the study.

Newport Municipal (City of Newport)

• To receive $135,282 to repair deteriorated portions of the runway pavement, apply new paint over the existing faded runway makings and study and prioritize future development options. 

Russellville Regional (City of Russellville)

• To receive $150,000 to improve the runway safety area to decrease the potential for aircraft damage should the aircraft undershoot, overrun, or veer off the runway.