Jonesboro Municipal Airport has received a $5 million federal grant to build a new terminal, replacing one destroyed by a tornado in March 2020.
The money, awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, will be matched with $1.3 million in local funds. The project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million for disaster relief and recovery.
Building a new terminal is one of several federally-supported projects to expand or upgrade the airport’s facilities. The airport recently completed a project to strengthen the surface of its main runway so it can handle larger planes capable of carrying more passengers and cargo. It took five federal grants of varying size over the years to fund the project.
The airport also plans to lengthen the runway with $5 million in funding it received from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In a statement, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the new terminal will help the airport increase shipping services, expand regional travel and create jobs.
Sen. John Boozman said the grant will support the airport’s “vital” economic role in northeast Arkansas.
“I’m pleased this investment will further the recovery effort by improving the airport’s functionality and potential for growth, and in turn benefit the entire region,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, northeast Arkansas leaders have been studying whether there’s enough demand to expand regional airport infrastructure or build a new airport altogether.
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