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State to commission aviation economic-impact study to help small airports make funding cases

Legislative Council Subcommittee (Arkansas) · February 17, 2026

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Summary

Committee reviewed a $720,000 contract for a statewide aviation economic-impact evaluation; the Division of Aeronautics said the study will give small airports data to demonstrate local economic benefit and help prioritize funding decisions.

The Legislative Council subcommittee reviewed an out-of-state contract to perform a statewide aviation economic-impact evaluation and heard from the Division of Aeronautics director about the study’s intended uses.

Katie Walden introduced a $720,000 contract for the Division of Aeronautics to procure a statewide aviation economic impact evaluation. Members asked Division Director Jerry Chisholm to explain how the data would be used to benefit smaller local airports and general aviation.

Chisholm said the study would give smaller airports a tool to demonstrate economic value to city administrations and help direct where limited funding should be invested. “The airport is a huge economic benefit to the community,” Chisholm said, adding the study will help officials show return on investment and make the case for airport funding when competing budget priorities exist.

The director said the study also will help the department prioritize spending to get the best return on investment across airports. Members thanked the director and did not object to the item being reviewed by the subcommittee.