Airport begins 20-year plan process $210 million worth of projects, replacements included

HIGHFILL -- Regional airport directors got their first peek Wednesday at a draft of a new master plan.

Every project airport officials have planned and how they plan to pay for them are in the draft for Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. The plan will look out 20 years and, in some instances, further.

An estimated $210 million worth of capital projects, equipment replacement and maintenance projects are included in the plan. It also will serve as a land use plan, indicating how, when and which areas of airport property will be developed.

"This includes all of the future projects we could think of," said Scott Van Laningham, executive director and CEO of the airport. "There will be projects that pop up that are not on this list, I'm sure."

Mark McFarland with Mead and Hunt, the consultants developing the plan, said input sessions will be scheduled during the next four months with boards, regional and city planners and other groups that have a stake in the airport.

"Every time somebody looks at this, it changes, so don't be afraid to give us your suggestions," McFarland told the board Wednesday. "It builds on what's there now and recognizes what may be there in the future."

McFarland said he hopes to have a recommendation for the board by mid-June.

The role of the airport is not expected to change from its commuter and business travel model, McFarland said. It should continue operating in such a way as to enhance regional economic development, he said. The main runway is expected to remain the same length.

Some potential projects include a second concourse, a parking deck and expanded areas for car rental companies and airlines. McFarland said the board should consider reserving space on the east side of the airport for a second runway, but it is not expected to be part of the 20-year plan.

Another major item not yet in the plan is the proposed 4-mile access road from what will be the U.S. 412 bypass around Springdale, although estimated costs will be included in the financial planning document.

"We take those things into consideration to the degree they're conceptually figured out," McFarland said.

In other business, the board approved a $150,400 contract with Garver Engineering for oversight and testing related to the expansion of the aircraft ramp area north of the terminal building.