Airport staff confirm T‑hangar contractor start, taxiway lighting grant and airshow funding

Airport staff provided a series of project and staffing updates, confirming near‑term construction starts, grant awards and personnel moves.

The presenter confirmed the fiscal‑year 2025 T‑hangar contractor still plans to begin work on June 1 and asked staff to notify tenants who will be affected. They said a separate parking lot reconstruction and access road project—completed with two state grants—is finished apart from outstanding test reports that the contractor must deliver before the final pay request can be processed.

On a larger capital project, staff said they will advertise a taxiway delta lighting rehabilitation project this weekend and that it is expected to receive a FY26 FAA Airport Improvement Program grant estimated at 95% federal funding with a 5% state match. "It'll be 95% federal funding 5% covered by the state at the end of the project," the presenter said, and staff said the commission will later be asked to approve bids and the grant application.

Staff said Runway 523 rehabilitation was postponed because the runway remains in good condition, and a planned bay T‑hangar reconstruction for FY26 is progressing through design and survey with a goal of opening bids before the June meeting.

Virginia reported on finances and operations: "We have also received $75,000 into our account from North Little Rock City for the air show support," she said, and noted staffing changes: Troy transferred from parks maintenance to fill a vacancy, and Noah, a seasonal worker last summer, agreed to return in an intermittent paid role.

The presenter and commissioners also said they will meet with engineers from North Little Rock City wastewater to review sewer infrastructure and long‑term buildable locations on the airport; speakers noted limited west‑side sewer capacity but some opportunities.

What happens next: Staff will process final test reports and the remaining pay request for the parking lot project, prepare bid documents and grant applications for the taxiway lighting rehab, and continue design and bid scheduling for the FY26 T‑hangar reconstruction and runway projects. Staff and the consultants will share relevant engineer correspondence with the commission.