N.M. Congressional Democrats Welcome Over $2.5 Million In Federal Investments For N.M. Airports, Major Funding For Emissions Reductions Heading To ABQ Sunport

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are welcoming $2,568,244 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to three New Mexico airports.

“Airports are pillars of opportunity – and that’s exactly what this federal funding is going to bring. Opportunities to improve the air quality around the Albuquerque Sunport with zero-emissions technologies. Opportunities to renovate aging infrastructure at the Española Municipal Airport. And opportunities to use historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to revitalize 30,000 square yards of pavement at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport. I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and will continue fighting for investments that build up and strengthen every opportunity available for New Mexico airports and the communities they support,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

“New Mexico’s local airports are essential in supporting our state’s economy and connecting our communities,” said Luján. “I’m glad this grant from the Department of Transportation will modernize our runways and reduce emissions — ensuring safer and energy efficient travel for those coming in and out of New Mexico.”

“Our airports are crucial to our economic development, bringing billions of dollars to New Mexico and providing tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for communities across our state,” said Stansbury. “I’m proud that over $2 million in federal funding is coming to our airports – including the Albuquerque International Sunport – to cut emissions and build a clean and efficient airport for every traveler.” “

I am so pleased to see this grant funding go towards connecting our Northern New Mexico communities with improvements to airports in Santa Fe and Ohkay Owingeh,” said Leger Fernández. “Our people deserve high-quality infrastructure, and I am grateful to see this funding go toward our pueblos and municipal airports. I will work to lift our economy and connect our gente.”

Federal funding announced by the FAA:

• $2,009,700 for the Albuquerque International Sunport from the FAA’s Airport Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Pilot Program that aims to improve airport air quality and facilitate the use of zero-emissions technologies. The project includes acquirring two zero emission vehicles.
• $292,659 to the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Council for the Española Municipal Airport to reconstruct 5,007 feet of runway pavement, install runway identifier lights and precision approach path indicators for greater accessibility, and replace the airport’s aging wind cone.
• $265,885 to the City of Santa Fe for the Santa Fe Municipal Airport to reconstruct 30,000 square yards of the existing terminal apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This funding is made possible the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that New Mexico Congressional Democrats championed into law. Learn more here.

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