Springdale airport project closer to take off

The Springdale Municipal Airport is seen Sept. 15, 2016.
The Springdale Municipal Airport is seen Sept. 15, 2016.

SPRINGDALE -- The City Council took the first steps Monday night toward an airport expansion.

Meeting in committees, the council members approved initial money to buy land adjacent to the Springdale Municipal Airport. The full Council will vote on the measure July 10.

The Airport Commission wants to buy three properties on East Emma Avenue totaling about 2 acres. The appraised value totaled $304,000, explained Wyman Morgan, the city's director of finance and administration.

Two other properties on Emma and two on Baggett Street will be considered for purchase in the future, bringing the land total to $768,500.

The money will come from an undesignated portion of the city's capital improvement fund, which totaled $2.8 million at the end of June, Morgan explained.

"They've talked a long time about having an executive airport terminal and additional parking on Emma Avenue," Morgan said.

"I think this is important for downtown," said Councilman Rick Culver, making the motion to send the proposal to the full council.

The Airport Commission has considered buying the land since 2015. Morgan explained the airport must abide by municipality rules as well as Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, which are more detailed. For example, he explained, the city had to secure an appraisal for the properties and then have an independent appraiser review and approve the first appraisal.

"It just takes a long time," he said.

Morgan also explained federal money probably will not be available to buy property or build the terminal.

The FAA's first priorities for money focus on safety measures and asphalt for runways, he said. The city will, however, receive a $2.2 million grant to repave the runway and add LED lighting at the airport. Also, money may be available to build a taxiway from the new terminal to the runway, Morgan said.

NW News on 07/03/2018

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