By Don Hall
News-Leader staff
A good airport is a must-have for Howard County to attract new businesses and industries, and the area is one step closer to reaching that goal.
Thanks in large part to grants totaling $1,050,000 from the state Division of Aeronautics, construction has begun at the Howard County Airport on new hangars that will house six aircraft.
“Five of the six hangars are already spoken for,” said Kelly Sherman, administrative assistant to County Judge Brent Pinkerton.
When those airplanes are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration listing Howard County as their home airport, there will be more than the 10 aircraft required for the FAA to begin serious funding for maintenance and improvement.
That funding is expected to begin in 2025, according to Judge Pinkerton.
Plans for airport improvement include a pilots lounge, restrooms and a courtesy car.
At that point, Howard County Airport will be on a par with Mena, De Queen, Hope and Arkadelphia.
