NM Delegation Announces Over $8.3 Million in Grants to 18 Airports Across the State

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded over $8.3 million in grants to 18 New Mexico airports for infrastructure improvements and redevelopment. The funds are from Department of Transportation (DoT) grants for infrastructure improvements as well as from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March.

“New Mexico’s airports are critical transportation lifelines for our state’s economies and communities, even while air travel faces new challenges,” Udall said. “This funding will help New Mexico communities access the resources and goods they need to make sure that our airports will continue to sustain and grow local economies across the state when this national crisis has passed. I will keep fighting to make sure New Mexicans can stay healthy and financially afloat throughout this critical period and beyond.”

“Protecting the long-term stability and integrity of New Mexico’s airports throughout this pandemic is critical,” said Heinrich. “That is why I am proud to support this funding to help maintain the infrastructure of our airports. I will keep fighting for the viability of New Mexico’s transportation systems and to fuel a strong economic recovery.”

“Local airports across New Mexico and the nation are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, these transportation hubs are crucial for the economic security of our communities,” said Luján. “I am proud to announce these critical investments for our local airports, and I’ll continue working to provide the COVID-19 relief that New Mexicans need and deserve to weather this crisis.”

“New Mexico airports support local economies and communities, but with air travel down due to coronavirus, airports must choose between installing new COVID-19 safety measures and updating and sustaining their infrastructure. We included funding in the CARES Act to help airports in improvements and adjust their operations during this challenging time, and now that funding is on the way,” said Haaland.

“Our local airports from Roswell to Truth or Consequences to Artesia have faced tough decisions in the face of decreased air travel and revenue. While communities across New Mexico work to rebuild, this continued funding is essential to making necessary infrastructure improvements so that rural and remote areas can stay connected to goods and resources,” said Torres Small. “It’s critical we continue to work to maintain air service and ensure New Mexico has the infrastructure in place as our local economies recover.”

A breakdown of the $8,311,436 in grants is below:

-          Questa Municipal will use $150,000 in DoT grants to construct, extend and improve the airport’s Safety Area, additionally receiving $16,666 from CARES Act funding.

-          Lordsburg Municipal will use $294,798 in DoT grants to seal the runway pavement surface, additionally receiving $32,755 from CARES Act funding.

-          Aztec Municipal will use $173,490 in DoT grants to seal the runway pavement surface, additionally receiving $19,276 from CARES Act funding.

-          Albuquerque International Sunport will use $1,997,673 in DoT grants to acquire and construct zero emissions transportation infrastructure in the airport, additionally receiving $372,327 from CARES Act funding.

-          Double Eagle II Airport will use $300,000 in DoT grants to install perimeter fencing, additionally receiving $33,000 from CARES Act funding. 

-          Raton Municipal Airport, $150,000 in DoT grants to install vertical and visual runway guidance, additionally receiving $13,096 from CARES Act funding.

-          Magdalena Airport, $150,000 in DoT grants to construct, extend and improve the airport’s Safety Area, additionally receiving $16,666 from CARES Act funding.

-          Socorro Municipal Airport, $287,000 in DoT grants to seal the runway pavement surface, additionally receiving $31,888 from CARES Act funding.

-          Santa Rosa Airport, $431,800 in DoT grants to reconstruct the airport taxiway, additionally receiving $47,977 from CARES Act funding.

-          Four Corners Regional Airport, $111,009 in DoT grants to rehabilitate the airport runway, additionally receiving $7,400 from CARES Act funding.

-          Roswell Air Center, $1,772,606 in DoT grants to rehabilitate the airport taxiway, additionally receiving $118,173 in CARES Act funding.

-          Navajo Lake Airport, $150,000 in DoT grants to seal the runway pavement surface, additionally receiving $16,666 from CARES Act funding.

-          Grant County Airport, $219,289 in DoT grants to reconstruct the airport apron, additionally receiving $11,541 from CARES Act funding.

-          Springer Municipal Airport, $358,485 in DoT grants to construct a snow removal equipment building, additionally receiving $39,831 from CARES Act funding.

-          Artesia Municipal Airport, $209,040 in DoT grants to install vertical and visual runway guidance, additionally receiving $23,226 from CARES Act funding.

-          Angel Fire Airport, $326,144 in DoT grants to seal the runway pavement surface, additionally receiving $36,238 from CARES Act funding.

-          Lea County Airport, $189,348 in DoT grants to install vertical and visual runway guidance, additionally receiving $21,038 from CARES Act funding.

-          Truth or Consequences Municipal Airport, $193,310 in DoT grants to reconstruct or replace the airport’s Lighting Vault, additionally receiving $21,478 from CARES Act funding.