Expansion planned at West Memphis Airport

Grant funds pave the way for hanger renovations

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

In January, the West Memphis Municipal Airport landed a matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Commerce’s Division of Aeronautics. The airport board authorized $150,000 from revenue on hand to match the state grant to renovate Hanger 3. City Council backed the airport, granting its permission request to release the funds for the project during its November 5 meeting. City Councilman Wayne Croom serves as the city council liaison to the airport commission. He relayed the proceedings to the full city council for consideration.

“The airport commission reviewed a state grant for $200,000,” said Croom. “This hanger is just south of the airport terminal building. They already have the funds in the depreciation account. They want the approval of city council to move $150,000 funds over for the rehab project. “

The previous tenant for the hanger moved to another at the airport. Commissioners seized the matching grant opportunity to update the hanger while vacant with the hope to attract a new renter.

Councilwoman Lorraine Mohammed preceded Croom in the liaison position and endorsed the request to city council before its unanimous approval vote.

The West Memphis Airport continues to grow with city council approving a grant to renovate Hanger 3. In addition to its private plane traffic, the Municipal Airport sees busy air ambulance traffic with its close proximity to the Memphis hospital district and demand for corporate flights.

File photo