U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford today announced the Arkansas International Airport in Blytheville will receive over $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements to their facilities.

“The Blytheville Airport in my district provides the region with an important option for commerce and travel. The funds from the Department of Transportation will make the airport safer for years to come,” Crawford said.

“Local airports are a vital asset for our communities, attracting economic development and providing efficient travel options for residents,” Pryor said. “These federal funds will make our airports safer and more environmentally-friendly, allowing them to better serve travelers and their local community.”

“In order to create jobs, you need an economy where long-term growth is possible. Infrastructure is vital to creating economic growth and our airports are an important piece of that puzzle. Improvements to these facilities with federal dollars will provide opportunities for economic development and future private sector job growth in Arkansas,” Boozman said.

The funding is as follows:

• The Arkansas International Airport in Blytheville will receive $707,596 to rehabilitate its current runway lighting system that has reached the end of its useful life. The rehabilitation is needed to ensure safe airfield operations in low visibility conditions.