City board to consider airport grant today

SILOAM SPRINGS — The city will host an in-person board of directors meeting 6:30 p.m. today in the board room at city hall, according to an announcement posted Friday on the city’s website.

The post, issued Friday states social distancing measures will be in place for board, staff and members of the public. Additionally, a limited number of people will be allowed into the board room and the city is requesting all public attendees to wear masks during the meeting and while waiting to enter the meeting, the post states.

Anyone who doesn’t wish to attend, but still make comments for the record may email cityadmin@siloamsprings.com, or rellis@siloamsprings.com, the post states.

Additionally, the meeting may be viewed on Cox Channel 245 or through the city’s website at www.siloamsprings.com/512/4797/WatchBoard-Meetings.

During the meeting, directors will consider a grant application and offer to help fund Siloam Springs Municipal Airport, according to Don Clark, community development director.

The grant will be for $30,000 and administered under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, Clark said.

The money may be used for general expenses such as payroll, contractual services such as mowing or janitorial, utilities, purchases such as fuel, parts and supplies, payment of a debt service.

The grant will be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Once the board approves the application the city will receive a digital grant offer form for the mayor or city attorney to sign. After the grant offer is issued the FAA will provide money to the city in an account officials can draw from.

“The grant assurances will be the same as those we adhere to for our FAA development grants,” Clark said.

The grant will not require a local match and will close when all the money has been drawn.

The CARES Act issued the grant for several Arkansas airports to mitigate the loss of revenue caused by covid-19. Other airports in Northwest Arkansas eligible for the grant are Bentonville, Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas National Airport and Rogers Executive Airport.

Other business to be discussed and voted on include:

• Approving a $110,000 cost-sharing landowner agreement contract with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership for stream mitigation on Sager Creek at Sager Creek Golf Course in 2021.

• Placing a proposed change for drive-through lanes on its third reading, and voting to approve the proposal.