Hot Springs approves airport terminal and control tower improvements under FAA grant

The Hot Springs City Board of Directors on June 17 approved Resolution R-25-120 awarding a construction contract to Shields & Associates for terminal building and air traffic control tower improvements at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, contingent on an FAA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant.

Airport director Don Rowlett told the board the city received an FAA grant award in December for terminals and control tower improvements “up to an amount of $1,400,000,” and that the grant structure is approximately a 95/5 federal-to-local split. Shields & Associates submitted the lowest responsive bid at $713,273 plus an additive alternative of $108,900 for a total base bid of $822,173. A prior Garber work order covering design, bidding and construction administration totaled $263,000, bringing the total estimated project cost to $1,085,173.

“If passed, staff recommends that the contract be awarded to Shields and Associates for the terminal improvement for that total bid of $822,173,” Rowlett said. He noted the city will need a budget adjustment from the airport fund to cover the local 5% match of $54,259; staff said that amount should be eligible for later reimbursement from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics after project completion.

Board members asked about timing and local fund balance effects. Director Dudley Webb asked when work would begin; Rowlett said construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026 with a 120‑day completion schedule. Regarding budget impacts, Rowlett said the local match would be taken from the airport fund balance.

The resolution passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke at the June 17, 2025 Hot Springs City Board of Directors meeting.