LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A $7.75 million grant has been awarded to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) to help fund a geothermal plant at the Little Rock airport.
According to a press release from LIT, the grant is being awarded "as part of an award through a tri-regional coalition" by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to develop a geothermal well field.
The funding is being awarded through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program -- the grant itself shows that the EPA recognizes LIT's "dedication to improving building efficiency and sustainability."
The awarding of the grant comes after Metroplan submitted an application. Metroplan is the planning organization for central Arkansas, the City of Fort Smith, and the Northwest Arkansas Region Planning Commission.
As for what this means for the airport, LIT officials said that it'll bring hundreds of geothermal wells that will be integrated.
“Over 700 geothermal wells will be integrated into the new central utility plant, significantly reducing our environmental footprint,” Tom Clarke, interim executive director of Clinton National Airport, said. “By replacing natural gas with geothermal technology for our heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, we anticipate cutting on-site greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and achieving approximately 20% in annual energy savings.”
Construction for the new plant is scheduled to start by the end of 2024 and is expected to be finished by Spring of 2026. According to LIT, the intention behind the geothermal plant is to "create the largest vertical bore geothermal system at any US airport."
“We appreciate the EPA's support and Metroplan’s leadership in securing this grant,” Clarke said. “This funding will enhance operational efficiency and contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and community well-being. It reflects our commitment to sustainable practices and regional economic growth."
