Baxter County is set to approve its second large airport funding ordinance within two months, bringing total eligible spending to over $2.1 million since July. According to an ordinance on the Quorum Court’s agenda for Sept. 1, the county will allocate $1,493,557.63 in reimbursable state and federal grant funds for the Baxter County Airport. This follows the $632,973.52 authorized in August.
The ordinance highlights significant construction planned for the airport. The largest portion of the funding—$620,705.88—will go toward phase three of taxiway rehabilitation, funded through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program. Another $393,226 supports phase two of the taxiway project, using a federal infrastructure grant. The second phase, outlined last year by Airport Director Taylor Carmichael, is scheduled as a milling and relay effort across 2026 and 2027.
Meanwhile, two additional projects focus on hangar development. Allocations include $346,554 for an 80-by-60 clear span hangar, designated as Hangar No. 3, and $133,071.75 for creating hangar access. These portions are backed by state grants from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics.
The county is contributing funds as well. To meet cost-sharing requirements, the ordinance directs the Baxter County treasurer to transfer $82,617.98 from the Airport Fund to a grant-specific cost-share account.
August’s ordinance received notable attention at the Quorum Court meeting, where Airport Director Carmichael discussed the facility's growing demands. After extensive discussion, the appropriation was passed unanimously by a 9-0 vote. Carmichael noted the airport has seen consistent construction efforts to meet increasing needs, addressing a hangar waiting list of about 50 people. While there were 40 hangars in use two years ago, approximately 70 aircraft were registered and 60 more sought space.
In addition to ongoing hangar construction—including private builds—taxiway improvements have been in process for several years. FAA records show staggered funding approvals: $67,450 in July 2025 and $741,071 in May 2023, followed by a 2026 grant with $341,071 in entitlement funds and $400,000 in discretionary funds. An earlier $100,043 grant in August 2024 helped install a runway visual guidance system.
Supporters of the airport cite its significant economic impact on the county, generating up to $9 million annually from activities such as medical flights, military operations, business travel, and tourism. The facility is also being explored for potential economic development, with the county’s Economic Development Committee having surveyed parcels for expansion into an industrial park. Additionally, Baxter County Judge Kevin Litty and the airport advisory board are working under a five-year FAA-approved plan, which includes a long-term goal of a runway expansion.
The ordinance does not include total cost estimates across all three phases of the taxiway project or full cost-sharing details. Since reimbursable grants require local governments to fund work upfront and then await repayment, questions remain about the financial timing and impact on county resources.
The Quorum Court meeting to discuss and potentially approve the latest airport ordinance is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the second-floor courtroom of the Baxter County Courthouse.