(The Center Square) – The Federal Aviation Administration is giving New Mexico $33,494,691 in taxpayer funds to make upgrades at airports statewide.
This federal funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Most notably, it includes $15.7 million to construct a new 21,000-square-foot terminal at the Clovis Regional Airport, plus nearly $2.5 million to reconstruct a taxiway at Raton Municipal Airport, according to a press release from U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico.
Back in February, the state also got $3.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding from the FAA to create a new terminal at the Clovis Regional Airport.
“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,” Heinrich said. “I am proud to welcome funding from the Infrastructure Law to fully construct Clovis Regional Airport’s new terminal and improve airports all across New Mexico. I will keep fighting to bring investments home to modernize terminals, improve travelers’ experiences, and drive our state’s economic growth for the future.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, also said he will keep advocating for more infrastructure funding for the state.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering millions of dollars and creating jobs across New Mexico,” Lujan said. “With more than $33 million coming to New Mexico to improve our airports, this funding will help connect communities, drive tourism and travel, and boost local economies. I am glad to welcome this funding, and I will continue working to secure investments for our communities.”
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-New Mexico, added that the funding will help the state’s economy.
“When we invest in critical infrastructure, we’re investing in the future of New Mexico,” Leger Fernandez said. “These airport upgrades across my entire district will create jobs, support local businesses, and better connect our communities. This is exactly the kind of investment I envisioned when I voted for the Infrastructure Law.”
Additionally, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico, said the airport funding will help people stay connected.
“I’m thrilled New Mexico’s airports will receive much-needed infrastructure upgrades, all thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Stansbury said. “Airports bring trade, economic opportunities to the state, and families and friends together. We must keep investing in infrastructure so opportunities remain open for New Mexicans.”
Plus, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, the funding especially benefits the state’s rural population.
“Upgrading our airports from Double Eagle in Albuquerque to rural airports in Zuni and Lea County means not only enhancing safety for travelers but also creating significant economic opportunities,” Vasquez said. “By modernizing our infrastructure, we’re helping create jobs and ensuring local economies thrive. Rural New Mexicans deserve modern infrastructure that allows businesses to compete in today’s economy. I was proud to have helped pass the FAA Reauthorization Act earlier this year that included my bipartisan provision to bring commercial air service back to underserved, rural communities in New Mexico.”
