On July 19, a group of NM lawmakers announced $9.32 million in funding to address various infrastructure requirements at six airports. The investment will be utilized for runway repairs, the construction of equipment buildings, and other essential improvements in airports across New Mexico according to a July 19 press release.
“New Mexico’s airports boost our local economies and serve as fundamental transportation hubs across the state,” said Sen. Ben Ray Luján, according to the press release. “As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I’m proud to welcome over $9 million in federal grants to help modernize infrastructure at six airports across New Mexico. These investments in our airports will keep our communities connected, boost our state economy, and help ensure safe travel.”
According to the press release, Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, along with Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez, jointly disclosed that New Mexico will receive a combined sum of $9.32 million in grants through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funds will be allocated to six airports across the state to support crucial projects such as runway repairs, the construction of equipment buildings, and addressing other infrastructure needs.
“Our local airports connect New Mexico communities to health care services and important tourism and trade opportunities. I’m pleased to welcome more than $9 million of federal investments from the Infrastructure Law to help 6 airports in our state repair their runways, modernize their equipment, and keep New Mexicans connected to air service,” said Sen. Heinrich, according to the press release.
The FAA has approved funding for various airport improvement projects in New Mexico. According to the press release, Albuquerque International Sunport will receive $7,155,149 for reconstructing runway lighting, while Artesia Municipal Airport gets $121,500 for rehabilitating taxiways. Clovis Regional Airport is granted $798,392 to acquire an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, and Portales Municipal Airport will receive $89,092 for installing a runway vertical visual guidance system and NAVAIDS. Socorro Municipal Airport gets $488,474 for modifying snow removal equipment, and Truth Or Consequences Municipal Airport will receive $674,274 for apron reconstruction.
“I welcome the over $1 million dollars to our beautiful state of New Mexico through the FY23 AIP. These funds will fix taxiways at the Artesia Municipal Airport, purchase a rescue aircraft and a firefighting vehicle at the Clovis Regional Airport, and install a runway guidance system at Portales Municipal Airport. When we invest in our aviation infrastructure, we create jobs, better travel experiences to New Mexico residents and visitors, and make sure every trip arrives safely and on time,” said Rep. Fernández.
“Our airports are integral to keeping our communities connected and our economy humming,” said Rep. Stansbury according to the press release. “I’m incredibly proud to see more than $9 million in federal grants reach six airports across the state. This type of massive investment is a win for all New Mexicans and will only push our state forward.”
“Investing in our airports – especially our municipal airports – promotes connecting our communities across our state,” said Rep. Vasquez according to the press release. “That is why I introduced an amendment in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act to require a study to restore commercial air service for Alamogordo-White Sands Airport. I’m proud to see over $9 million in investments come to New Mexico, and look forward to supporting all the airports across my district.”
