Arkansas Aeroplex Awarded More Than $1 Million Through Arkansas Site Development Program
Funding to advance shovel-ready industrial site, strengthen Aeroplex competitiveness
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (May 4, 2026) – The Arkansas Aeroplex has been awarded $1,030,743 through the Arkansas Site Development Program, part of a $25 million investment announced by Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission last Tuesday.
The funding will support targeted improvements at a 44-acre industrial site within the Aeroplex, advancing the property toward shovel-ready status and enhancing its ability to attract new industry.
Planned improvements include demolition and site clearing to create contiguous, build-ready acreage, as well as environmental studies and due diligence to support development. The project will also include lighting infrastructure upgrades along Memorial Drive and key access areas to improve safety and support ongoing industrial activity.
“This investment allows us to take a highly strategic site and move it closer to being fully development-ready,” said Barrett Harrison, president of the Aeroplex. “The Arkansas Aeroplex is built for large-scale industrial growth, and projects like this ensure we can meet demand with speed, efficiency and the infrastructure today’s companies expect.”
Located on the former Eaker Air Force Base, the Arkansas Aeroplex is one of the largest industrial megasites in the region, offering multimodal access via air, rail, river and highway. With an 11,600-foot runway and expansive available property, the Aeroplex continues to attract aerospace, logistics and advanced manufacturing operations.
“Speed to market is critical in today’s economic development environment,” said Clif Chitwood, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “This funding allows us to remove barriers and deliver a site that is ready for immediate investment. It significantly strengthens our ability to compete for high-impact projects at the Aeroplex.”
The Arkansas Site Development Program supports infrastructure and site readiness improvements for industrial properties across the state, helping communities compete for job-creating projects and long-term investment.
With continued momentum across Mississippi County, including growth in steel, aerospace and logistics, the Aeroplex remains a cornerstone of the region’s economic development strategy.
“As Mississippi County continues to attract industry and investment, having sites that are ready for development is critical,” Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson said. “This funding helps us remove barriers, prepare our assets and ensure we’re positioned to compete for the next generation of projects that will bring jobs and opportunity to our communities.”
About the Arkansas Aeroplex
The Arkansas Aeroplex is a premier industrial and aviation megasite located in Mississippi County, Arkansas, on the grounds of the former Eaker Air Force Base. With one of the longest runways in the region, extensive infrastructure and access to major transportation networks, the Aeroplex supports aerospace, logistics and advanced manufacturing companies from around the world. As part of the Land of Steel, the Aeroplex plays a central role in driving economic growth and attracting new investment to Mississippi County. Learn more at arkansasaeroplex.com.
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