HIGHFILL -- Northwest Arkansas National Airport has landed $4 million to help pay for the renovation and expansion of the terminal.
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, selected the project for money from a new federal Community Projects Fund, which is basically a new form of federal earmarks legislators can use for projects at home.
"The impact the Northwest Arkansas National Airport has on our community and economy is immense and growing. It's a regional asset, and this funding will make the facility more accessible and efficient," said Womack, who represents the state's 3rd Congressional District. "As more Arkansans, travelers, businesses and airlines flow through XNA, terminal enhancements will bring great value."
The work involves adding a covered bridge or elevated walkway between the parking deck and the second floor of the terminal. The project also includes new elevators and escalators, meeting space and changes to the terminal's facade.
The arrivals lobby project is being merged with a skybridge project. Airport officials expect that project will be through 60% of the design work by the second quarter of this year. A potential headwind is material, labor and construction costs continue to rise.
The combined project is estimated to cost about $45 million.
"We are thankful for Congressman Womack's help in securing $4 million in funding that enables XNA to make critical upgrades to the terminal," said Aaron Burkes, airport CEO. "These funds will help pay for a project that improves the circulation and accessibility for passengers traveling through the terminal."
The terminal will be about 200,000 square feet when the project is completed.
Officials started planning a connection from the deck to the federal Transportation Security Administration checkpoint on the second floor of the terminal after the airport parking garage was built. Plans include a new front entrance to the terminal.
The project was put out for bids in May, and the bids came in about $5 million over what was expected, primarily because of increased costs of steel and drywall. So the project was placed on hold and will be rebid.
Airport officials are waiting to put it back out to bid until they have an answer from the Federal Aviation Administration on infrastructure money the airport may receive for the project. They hope to have an answer in April or May.