ArkansasArkansas authorizes state and federal spending for airport grants
Arkansas authorizes up to $28,518,370 for airport grants and its Department of Commerce’s Division of Aeronautics operations in 2026–2027, with spending limited to available funds.
What it does
The Division of Aeronautics can spend up to $16,518,370 from its state fund, including $15 million for airport grants and related expenses. Spending depends on available funds.
A separate budget allows the Division of Aeronautics to spend up to $12 million in federal funds for airport grants and related expenses, if funds are available.
The Division of Aeronautics has a limit of six regular employees for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Each position also has a salary limit.
Argument forIf funds are available, state and federal grant money could help eligible applicants pay for airport projects.
Argument againstThe six-employee limit could constrain the division’s ability to manage airport grants while handling its daily operations.
More detail
The Division of Aeronautics can spend up to $16,518,370 from the Division of Aeronautics Fund. The budget includes $15 million for airport grants and related expenses and $1,518,370 for staff costs and operations. Grant applicants include cities, counties, and other eligible applicants. Spending cannot exceed the approved amounts or funds made available by law. The division must follow applicable state purchasing, budgeting, and financial control rules. This budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
The Division of Aeronautics can spend up to $12 million in federal funds for airport grants and related expenses. This federal budget is separate from the money available through the Division of Aeronautics Fund. The state's Chief Fiscal Officer must designate the federal funds used. Spending cannot exceed the approved amount or funds made available by law. This budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
The Division of Aeronautics may employ up to six regular employees. The positions cover leadership, engineering, program work, and administrative support. Each position has a maximum salary rate tied to its listed pay grade. These staffing limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 23Notification that SB6 is now Act 3Became Law
- Apr 16DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.To Governor
- Apr 16Reported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor.
- Apr 16ORDERED ENROLLED
- Apr 16Returned from the House as passed.
- Apr 16Returned To Senate as Passed.
- Apr 16EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED
- Apr 16Read the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.Passed House
- Apr 16Considered in the Committee of the Whole, and recommended do pass.
- Apr 16RULES SUSPENDED
- Apr 15Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the CALENDAR.Minor
- Apr 15RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE
- Apr 15Ordered Immediately transmitted to the House.
- Apr 15EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED
- Apr 15Read the third time and passed.Passed Senate
- Apr 14Returned by the Committee, with the recommendation that it Do PassMinor
- Apr 8Read first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEEMinor
- Apr 1FiledIntroduced
TransportationTaxes & Budget