U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5 Million to Support Reconstruction of the Jonesboro Municipal Airport Terminal in Arkansas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $5 million grant to the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, for airport infrastructure improvements to support job creation and economic development in the region.

This grant will support construction of a new terminal at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, replacing one destroyed by a tornado in 2020. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.3 million in local funds.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, the Department of Commerce is investing in America to help communities recover from disasters and unlock the full potential of workers and small businesses across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA grant will help ensure that Jonesboro Municipal Airport has the infrastructure needed to increase shipping services, expand regional travel, and create more good paying jobs that will transform the local economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical infrastructure repairs and improvements at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, creating jobs and diversifying the regional economy.”

“As the anchor of northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro’s economic contributions are vital. While extensive damage from a tornado in 2020 threatened disruption and uncertainty, the community rallied together to rebuild and revitalize opportunity that this grant will accelerate through rehabilitating and upgrading key travel infrastructure. I’m pleased this investment will further the recovery effort by improving the airport’s functionality and potential for growth, and in turn benefit the entire region,” said Senator John Boozman.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the East Arkansas Planning and Development District (EAPDD). EDA funds EAPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

These projects are funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.