(The Center Square) – The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to receive millions in federal taxpayer dollars for projects.
The $35 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will go toward improving the Central Utility Plant. According to the Federal Aviation Administration website, it will specifically fund new “chillers, condensing water pumps, central plant piping, heat exchangers and cooling towers.”
In total, the airport has been granted $71 million from the Airport Terminal Program following another grant won in July for the plant and other uses as well.
“Our historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Arizona communities,” Sen. Mark Kelly said in a statement. “This investment allows for crucial renovations to Phoenix Sky Harbor, upgrading one of our most important economic drivers and ensuring Arizonans have access to safe and reliable travel.”
Nationwide, the program for airport terminal improvements has doled out $5 billion, including $893.3 million in the fiscal year 2024 but $970 million was announced. $25 billion for airport funding was part of the law, according to a news release.
“I’m proud to deliver $35 million from our bipartisan infrastructure law to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility at Phoenix Sky Harbor – allowing Arizonans to safely travel with ease and peace of mind,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said in a statement.
As money from the law continues to be distributed, proponents say it helps provide necessary improvements whereas critics argue it worsened inflation with the large overall price tag. It’s unclear how the spending practices with the law will change going from the Biden to the Trump administration.
The Center Square reported that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act resulted in a $75 million allocation to other airports in Arizona, including Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Tucson International Airport.
