NM Delegation Applauds Over $13.6 Million in Grants to 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.) applauded $13,650,443 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to 10 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,” Udall said. “This funding will support New Mexico communities in accessing the resources and goods they need. This funding also lays a foundation to make sure that our airports will continue to grow local economies across New Mexico 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.”

“The unprecedented decline in air travel is having a devastating impact on local airports,” said Heinrich. “I'm proud to support this critical funding from the Department of Transportation to help local airports improve and repair existing infrastructures. Funding from the CARES Act will help ensure these airports in New Mexico can continue to provide services that connect frontline workers to all of our communities. I will keep fighting to protect the health and safety of New Mexicans during this ongoing pandemic, and to fuel a strong long-term economic recovery.”

“Local airports – especially in rural regions – are critical economic lifelines for our communities. I’m glad that these grants will go toward much-needed infrastructure improvements and repairs to keep our airports safe and running,” said Luján. “I know that communities across New Mexico need additional support to modernize our transportation infrastructure, which is exactly why I’ve urged Senate Republicans to support the House-passed Moving Forward Act.”

“Our airports support local economies and communities, but with air travel down due to coronavirus, airports are faced with the tough decision to limit services and put off improvements. That’s why we included this critical funding in the CARES Act earlier this year,” said Haaland. “This funding will make sure that New Mexico airports in my district like Moriarty Municipal Airport and the Albuquerque Sunport can invest in infrastructure improvements and adjust their operations during this challenging time, so they are ready to move full speed ahead when we’re past this pandemic."

“Airports across central and southern New Mexico keep communities and businesses connected and support local economic growth. This latest funding will equip airports of all sizes to plan for the future and ensure local communities have the tools they need  as we look to rebuild our economies. These funds could not come at a more important time, as Congress works to maintain air service for all communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. I will continue advocating for the resources New Mexicans need to stay healthy and keep their businesses running during this difficult time,” said Torres Small.

A breakdown of the $13,650,443 in grants is below:

-          Albuquerque International Sunport, $2,300,000 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation, $1,083,081 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Belen Regional Airport, $1,000,000 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation, $300,000 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Clayton Municipal Airpark, $2,500,000 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation.

-          Fort Sumner Airport, $16,666 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Jicarilla Apache Nation Airport, $336,666 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Moriarty Municipal Airport, $16,377 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Tucumcari Municipal Airport, $2,800,000 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation.

-          Roswell Air Center, $1,218,750 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation, $198,681 from CARES Act relief grants.

-          Santa Fe Municipal Airport, $1,875,000 from DoT infrastructure improvement grants for taxiway rehabilitation.

-          Vaughn Municipal Airport, $5,222 from CARES Act relief grants.