Construct/extend safety area

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southwestern Region awarded a $146,700 Project Grant to Saline County Airport on August 29, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to fund Phase 1 design activities for the construction and extension of safety areas at both ends of Runway 2/20. The project is scheduled for completion by August 28, 2029. As a non-14 CFR Part 139 certificated airport, Saline County Airport was not subject to the December 31, 2015 runway safety area compliance deadline and continues to pursue infrastructure improvements to enhance operational safety. The design phase will establish the technical and engineering specifications necessary for subsequent construction of the runway safety areas.

This grant supports the FAA's strategic objectives of safety and long-term economic benefits through transportation infrastructure investment. The funding will benefit the Benton, Arkansas community by advancing critical airport safety infrastructure improvements at Saline County Airport, a government-owned facility that serves as a public-use airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs runway 2/20 safety areas at both runway ends to enhance safety. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. Non-14 CFR part 139 certificated airports were not subject to the runway safety area deadline of december 31, 2015, and some airports, including this one, continue to pursue further improvements as they become feasible. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with benton, arkansas.