Heinrich, Luján, Stansbury Announce $7 Million In Federal Funding To Revitalize Albuquerque Sunport

WASHINGTON (July 7, 2022) — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced $7 million in federal investments from the Infrastructure Law heading to the Albuquerque International Sunport. This funding will be used to refurbish passenger boarding bridges and electric ground power units, which will enhance passenger access, airline operations efficiency, and energy efficiency.

“The Infrastructure Law is delivering major federal investments to New Mexico that will improve and modernize the Albuquerque Sunport and enhance the travel experience,”said Heinrich. “I’m especially pleased to see funding to expand access at the Sunport and refurbish electric ground power units that help reduce carbon emissions. I look forward to the many more opportunities the Infrastructure Law will create to grow our economy and revitalize communities across New Mexico.” 

“The Albuquerque Sunport is a critical economic driver for our state’s tourism and travel industry, and with this bold investment provided from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it will continue to do just that,” said Luján. “I’m pleased this funding of $7 million—that I helped secure—will improve passenger boarding bridges and deliver other renovations to make the Sunport more energy efficient, and set our state up to combat the climate crisis while making flying more accessible to the public.” 

“I am proud that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering results to the tune of $7 million for our Sunport,” said Stansbury. “Every New Mexican should have access to our state’s largest airport, which is why I am grateful that this funding expands ADA-accessible facilities and cuts carbon emissions to support New Mexico’s continued economic growth and environmental goals.” 

New Mexico Congressional Democrats championed the Infrastructure Law, which created the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program. This program invests in projects related to runways, taxiways, terminals, roadways, and airport transit. The funding announced today will support the implementation of new mechanical, electric, and lighting systems, as well as enhanced accessibility at Albuquerque International Sunport. These improvements will increase operational and energy efficiency and passenger access. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness, with $3.7 billion expected to reach New Mexico in formula funding alone. It will rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, tackle the climate crisis, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.