Some of the most important improvements at Clinton National Airport are happening out of sight, but they make all the future improvements possible.

As part of the Terminal Redevelopment Program, LIT is building a new Central Utility Plant supported by a geothermal wellfield—one of the largest in Arkansas. This system replaces aging heating and cooling equipment and provides the mechanical capacity needed for future terminal improvements.

Construction includes 760 geothermal wells drilled across the airport campus. These wells reach hundreds of feet underground, where temperatures remain stable year-round. By circulating water through a closed-loop system, the geothermal plant efficiently heats and cools the terminal without relying on natural gas boilers or traditional chillers.

That translates into more consistent indoor temperatures, fewer disruptions and a system designed to perform reliably during Arkansas’s most demanding weather conditions. This new infrastructure will support the airport for decades while creating the capacity needed for future expansion.

The project is also designed to make the most of available space. Plans include constructing approximately 1,700 parking spaces, including covered parking, above portions of the wellfield—layering critical infrastructure with added convenience for travelers.