On Friday, August 23, the Arkansas Legislature approved $16.7 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK).
Infrastructure improvements include the extension of runways and taxiways, allowing the airport to handle cargo and maintenance repair work. The improvements also make the airport ready to handle larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777.
Texarkana Regional Airport will also build approximately 175,000 square feet of hangar space for an estimated $35 million, financed with bonds, and will free up sites for future development.
“Texarkana is the city I grew up in, and it has been great to see the entire region grow. As Governor, I am proud to support one of the city’s most important projects, the Texarkana Regional Airport, and am excited to help bring more jobs and visitors to the area,” said Governor Sanders.
Additional funding provided by U.S. Senator John Boozman (Arkansas), U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (Arkansas), U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (Texas) and local sources will enable improvements totaling more than $100 million over the next three years.
“The infrastructure improvements made possible by these funds will create long-term, well-paying jobs,” said Paul Mehrlich, executive director of aviation at Texarkana Regional Airport. “This will benefit not only Texarkana, but the entire region.”
Mehrlich noted that the aerospace and defense industry in Camden, Arkansas, and the lithium industry near Magnolia, Arkansas, would benefit from the expansion efforts.
“Texarkana Regional Airport has the potential to become a major regional player in the national airspace system,” said Jerry Chism, director of the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics. “TXK will meet the growing need for air travel in the area. These improvements open up the opportunity for maintenance and the potential for additional airlines.”
In June 2024, Texarkana Regional Airport opened its new $49 million terminal, which is twice the size of the previous terminal built in 1960. The 37,000-square-foot Jim E. Yates Terminal features jetways, an additional gate with room for expansion, and an improved baggage handling system.
About Texarkana Regional Airport
Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) was authorized for operations in 1928 and remains a critical aviation infrastructure for Ark-La-Tex today. TXK is a primary commercial service airport owned and operated by the Texarkana Regional Airport Authority and is located approximately three miles northeast of downtown Texarkana, Arkansas.
