U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), U.S. Senator John Boozman and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton jointly announced the award of a $790,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for expansion of Hot Springs Memorial Field’s general aircraft parking area along with realignment of Taxiway Alpha (A) and Taxiway Echo (E). That amount, combined with $900,000 of state apportionment and the acquisition of soon-expiring entitlements from other airports by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), amounts to a total award of $2,279,854.
“This grant will provide additional ramp space to accommodate the growing transit aircraft traffic at our airport,” Airport Director Glen Barentine said. “In addition, moving the taxiways to eventually create a parallel taxiway for Runway 5/23 will create a safer operational environment.”
“Memorial Field is an economic generator in Garland County,” Westerman said. “This grant will further support and expand the airport’s mission, creating opportunity for additional air service in the Ouachitas.”
“Infrastructure improvements are vital to the economic development of Arkansas,” noted Boozman. “This investment will help the Hot Springs airport improve its facility and continue to meet the transportation needs of the region.”
“I want to congratulate Memorial Field in Hot Springs on receiving this grant,” Cotton added. “I know these funds will go a long way toward ensuring travelers have a great experience at Memorial Field.”