TEXARKANA, AR - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders toured the Texarkana Regional Airport on Thursday after helping secure $16.7 million in funding for infrastructure improvements in August.

“It’s incredible to see the town I once called home take off. The investment will improve the airport’s infrastructure and bring more jobs and visitors to the entire region,” said Governor Sanders. “This critical infrastructure investment is the type of economic development project we need to bring in new industry and grow this area.” 

This funding supports the expansion of the runway and taxiways, allowing the airport to take on cargo and maintenance repair overhaul work and equip the airport to support larger aircraft, including the Boeing 777. The Texarkana Regional Airport plans to add 175,000 square feet of hangar space for an estimated $35 million which will help create opportunities for future development.

In the summer, the Texarkana Regional Airport opened the Jim E. Yates Terminal, twice the size of the original terminal built in 1960. The $49 million terminal features jet bridges, an extra gate with expansion space, and an upgraded baggage-handling system.