During the recent meeting of the Baxter County Quorum Court, a presentation was made by the county’s airport commission with an update on a project having the potential to bring in new commercial flights. The Baxter County Regional Airport is expected to have an expanded runway in the next few years.
Baxter County Airport Commission Chairman Dr. Steven Vester says there are several reasons the expansion is needed, but the potential reintroduction of commercial service is the main goal.
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The total cost of the project prior to the pandemic was anywhere from $24 million to $26 million. Ninety percent of the cost is expected to be covered by the Federal Aviation Administration, and another 5% should be covered by the state of Arkansas.
Vester says Baxter County’s part is expected to be approximately $1.5 million. He says the county should have sources to cover its portion of the project, and he doesn’t anticipate a tax increase on local residents.
Vester says airport representatives have opened dialogue on a limited basis with some commercial airlines about the potential of bringing service to Midway.
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Once the project is complete, Vester says the Baxter County Regional Airport should be in good shape to bring commercial service back in.
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The project is expected to be completed in the next two to four years.
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