SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale Municipal Airport runway is set to get nearly $2.2 million from the federal government next year for improvement, the Airport Commission heard Thursday.
Wyman Morgan, administrative and financial services director for the city, said Thursday he filed a grant application last week to accept nearly $2.2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, which will cover 90 percent of the project's cost. Money from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics will cover the remaining 10 percent, Morgan said.
The money will go toward repaving the 5,300-foot-long runway and replacing runway lights with brighter LED lights using less electricity, Morgan said. Airport officials expect to begin construction late next spring.
Repaving the runway will fill in cracks or potholes on the surface that might damage planes, Morgan said. Commissioner Bill Schoonover, a former pilot, said the work is necessary to maintain the integrity of the runway.
"If word gets out that you've got problems with the surface of your runway, then pilots will choose to divert to other places to land," Schoonover said.
Commissioners must receive approval from the City Council and mayor before contractors may begin work, Morgan said.
The commission decided during its Thursday meeting to request a loan from the council to buy about 2 acres adjacent to the airport to house an additional terminal and parking area. Acquiring the land would allow more convenient public access from Emma Avenue and increase parking space for cars and planes, Chairman Neil Johnson said.
Commissioners have considered buying the land since at least 2015. The three properties include houses and commercial buildings. The land is appraised at $768,500,* according to the meeting agenda.
"This really complements the property we already own," Johnson said.
Commissioners will present their request for the loan at the City Council Committee meeting July 2, and they plan to repay the loan with an FAA grant when available, Johnson said.
NW News on 06/22/2018
*CORRECTION: The Springdale Airport Commission is considering three properties for purchase appraised at $768,500. A previous version of this story listed an incorrect value.