HIGHFILL, AR (AP) Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport has won a federal grant of $3.4 million so it can build a cargo apron and taxiway.

The construction will allow the airport to move freight operations out of the passenger terminal, creating a more efficient cargo operation and improving the atmosphere in the lobby for travelers.

The release of the money was announced April 21 by U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-AR, who represents the 3rd District that includes northwest Arkansas.

“With the growth the airport is seeing, the current cargo operation is just not workable,” Boozman said. “The lobby was not designed to hold passengers, cargo and all of the new [Transportation Security Administration] screening machines,” he added.

“It makes sense to build a separate apron and taxiway where this cargo can be handled and not inconvenience the passengers,” Boozman said.