Congressman Rick Crawford joined U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman today to announce that the Batesville Regional Airport will receive a $2,324,472 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements and new construction projects at their facility.

“The Batesville Airport is a regional transportation hub that helps area businesses grow. These federal dollars will extend the runway and allow the airport to continue helping small businesses in Independence County and the surrounding areas get their goods to market,” Crawford said.

“Local airports are a critical resource for Arkansas communities, boosting economic development and giving residents more convenient travel options,” Pryor said. “Reinvesting these federal dollars into the Batesville Regional Airport will benefit residents and travelers alike.”

“Upgrading our infrastructure is vitally important to expanding economic development in Arkansas. Reinvesting these funds in Batesville Regional Airport will enhance safety and security, which in turn, will make the airport a more viable option for travelers and commerce,” Boozman said.

According to the Department of Transportation, funding will be used to extend the runway safety area and bring the runway into accordance with FAA design standards. The funds will also be used to install perimeter fencing, which will help deter unauthorized persons and vehicles from entering onto the airfield.