WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $4,384,758 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for upgrades at the Albuquerque International Sunport, Artesia Municipal Airport, and Socorro Municipal Airport.
These grants are funded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports.
“When we invest in New Mexico’s airports, we invest in the people who rely on these facilities to do business in our state, create jobs, and contribute to our economy,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I am proud to welcome over $4.3 million to make improvements at the Albuquerque International Sunport and the Artesia and Socorro Municipal Airports. I will keep fighting to bring investments home to modernize our airports, improve travelers’ experiences, and drive our state’s economic growth for the future.”
“Airports across New Mexico are critical hubs for transportation and local economies,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome over $4 million in federal funding for airports in Albuquerque, Artesia, and Socorro. These investments will improve safety, support local jobs, and help our airports better serve New Mexicans and visitors alike.”
“Investing in our infrastructure keeps our communities connected and creates a foundation for prosperity in rural New Mexico. This $4,384,758 in federal funding will bring much-needed investments to not only New Mexico’s largest airport, but also our rural airports. Maintaining runways and infrastructure is the quiet work that is essential to keep our planes and passengers safe.” said Leger Fernández. “Connecting New Mexico diversifies our economy and creates local jobs across the state.”
“Our airports are vital lifelines for trade, tourism, and connecting our communities to family and friends outside of New Mexico,” said Stansbury. “This $4.3 million for infrastructure updates for three airports across the state, including NM-01’s very own Sunport, will ensure they stay safe and efficient hubs for New Mexicans and visitors.”
"From the Sunport to Socorro and Artesia, these airport upgrades will improve accessibility and connectivity for New Mexicans,” said Vasquez. “Safer roads, modernized runways, and new equipment mean better service for travelers and stronger support for local industries like agriculture, energy, and tourism. We’re making sure New Mexico isn’t left behind when it comes to infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving.”
The breakdown of the FAA funding for New Mexico is below:
FAA Funding for New Mexico
|
Airport |
Project Description |
Grant Amount |
|
Albuquerque International Sunport |
This project rehabilitates 10,500 feet of existing terminal access road to extend its useful life. |
$3,656,508 |
|
Artesia Municipal Airport |
This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. This project rehabilitates 6,800 feet of existing paved Runway 4/22 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. |
$128,250 |
|
Socorro Municipal Airport |
This grant funds a portion of the final phase, which consists of construction. This project constructs a new 2,700 square foot snow removal equipment building to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. |
$600,000 |
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