Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome Over $227,000 for Portales Municipal Airport 

PORTALES — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) today welcomed over $227,000 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Portales Municipal Airport (PRZ) for necessary upgrades and long-term development. This funding was made possible through the Infrastructure Law. 

“Local airports connect communities all across New Mexico to tourism, business opportunities, and commercial aviation. They also grow our local economies,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to welcome over $227,000 from the Infrastructure Law to upgrade the Portales Municipal Airport, which will result in new jobs, better economic opportunities, and an easier and more reliable travel experience for New Mexicans.”  

“Local airports in New Mexico, like the Portales Municipal Airport, are essential to keeping our communities and loved ones connected and boosting our state’s economy,” said Luján. “I’m glad this critical funding from the Department of Transportation will improve safety, as well as supporting economic growth and job creation in Portales.” 

“Our small airports are important beacons in their communities. They create jobs and economic opportunity. I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure law because I knew it would strengthen rural America’s economy and invest in the communities that need it most,” said Leger Fernández. “This is the third year that law provides funding to small airports across the country—including Portales Municipal. I am happy to welcome this $227,190 investment in the Portales Municipal airport. These funds will help fortify the airport’s infrastructure, improve the runways, and make sure passengers make it to their destinations safely.” 

More information related to this latest grant from the Infrastructure Law can be found here.  

Earlier this month, the New Mexico delegation successfully secured five FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending projects for Portales.  

Senator Heinrich secured $1.2 million in FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending for Portales. This included:  

• $495,000 for the City of Portales Fire Department to purchase a new rescue engine. 
• $430,000 for the City of Portales to complete planning and design for needed sewer line and manhole upgrades.   
• $275,000 for the Roosevelt County Detention Center to plan, design, and complete necessary electrical and plumbing upgrades. 

Senator Luján secured $120,000 for a drainage improvement project in Portales. And Representative Leger Fernández secured $500,000 for the City of Portales and Eastern New Mexico University to make street improvements.   

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