TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
The master plan for Texarkana Regional Airport sets the tone for future economic growth in this region, complementing the efforts of our partners, AR-TX REDI, Nash Industrial Development Corporation, and TexAmericas Center. Just take notice of what’s to come over the next 25 years.”
—Denis Washington, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
economic development of Texarkana and the region. According to Hickerson, the East 19th Street exit off I-49 was not a part of the original plan. “Representatives from the city, Airport Authority, and the Chamber met with the Highway Commission and made a case for opening the exit at 19th Street for future access to the airport. The city’s leadership felt that for long-range planning, it was important to locate the entrance to the airport off 19th Street near the Industrial Park.” Airport Authority Vice Chair David Potter II agrees. “The airport is the front door to our city. Having the terminal access off East 19th will dramatically improve our first impression for visitors and prospective business and industry partners.” Mehrlich concurs and adds the foresight to put the fire station next to the site of the future terminal, which helped make the construction of the new terminal possible. “We already had a road and utilities leading to
the terminal’s location. These factors expedited the process when we were ready to transition to the construction phase.” Mehrlich is thankful that everything has come together and admits the terminal project has come to fruition with barriers and obstacles along the way. A new terminal had long been a dream of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas officials. The looming question was always how to pay for it. “It had to be pushed. In some ways, COVID opened new funding for the terminal. Millions of dollars were available to assist with various project phases.” In addition to maximizing COVID relief money, Mehrlich has been tenacious in applying for grants and working with government officials to secure funding for the airport. Further, airport, city, and community members are incredibly grateful to the Yates family for their generous donation of three million dollars over two years to ensure the vision of a state-of-the-art terminal became a reality.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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