TEXARKANA -- The Texarkana Regional Airport plans to build a new 30,000-square-foot passenger terminal.
The airport board approved sending a $719,720 terminal-design grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration for final review and approval. The FAA will pick up 90 percent of the cost to design the terminal, while the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics will absorb the remaining 10 percent.
Airport Director Mark Mellinger said the design grant money should be available this summer. Construction would be paid for using grants and other funds.
Beyond federal money, Mellinger said the terminal project also could receive support in state-generated economic development grant funds.
Mellinger added that he recently received information from the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce that listed area businesses and industries that might support a new terminal. He intends to ask those businesses and industries for letters of support to help secure state economic development grants.
Other planned airport improvements include an automated parking fee system, if officials can negotiate a deal. Under the plan, the Parking Boxx firm would install an entry-ticket dispensing box in the airport parking lot, as well as two posts where drivers can pay for parking.
State Desk on 04/23/2017