New Funding for Northwest Arkansas National Airport
The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is poised to make significant enhancements to its infrastructure. In the latest development, XNA has been allocated .41 million in federal funding towards several projects, including the construction of a new air traffic control tower and a connector road.
It is interesting to note that US Representative Steve Womack played a crucial role in securing this funding. Womack had initially requested finances from the House Committee on Appropriations for these projects in April. The allocation comes from the .7 trillion federal spending law for fiscal year 2023, which was signed by President Joe Biden on December 29.
The new air traffic control tower will replace the current 24-year-old temporary structure, which has a cab height of 47 feet. This height falls short of Federal Aviation Administration requirements. In contrast, the new tower is designed to have a cab height of 124 feet, ensuring compliance with FAA standards. AJT Engineering began the phase one site selection and siting study for the tower in early 2022. With the design nearing 30% completion, XNA staff are set to meet with the design team to further progress the project. The tower is estimated to cost .49 million and is expected to be finished by April 2025.
The financial support from Congress is expected to improve safety and visibility at the airport. It will also ensure the airport is equipped to handle the growing aviation needs of Northwest Arkansas. Moreover, the connector road project will enhance access to the airport overall. The Arkansas Department of Transportation will receive million for this project. The road will include an interchange at U.S. Highway 412 bypass and is projected to be completed by 2027.
- The airport’s enplanements have experienced significant growth, with a 38.2% increase in passengers flying out between January and November 2022, up to 768,065.
- The federal spending law included funds for various other projects in the region, including infrastructure improvements in Mulberry, wastewater upgrades in Yellville, and facilities enhancements for educational institutions and public services.
XNA Continues Progress on Control Tower
Recently, the airport’s Board of Directors approved a bid with Crossland Construction Company, Inc., to start formal contract negotiations for the new control tower. This move marks significant forward momentum towards the tower’s construction. Concurrently, the airport is advancing on its other projects, bolstering its infrastructure to accommodate the growing passenger count and regional needs.
Meanwhile, Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina received a .5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the construction of a new traffic control tower. This development highlights the widespread efforts to improve air traffic management across the nation.
The combination of these initiatives underscores the commitment to safeguarding and improving air travel efficiency while catering to the expanding demands of regional airports. It is crucial for these critical infrastructure investments to continue, ensuring safe and efficient air travel now and in the future.
