WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján announced a $4.4 million grant has been awarded to the Navajo Nation to rehabilitate the runway at the Shiprock Airstrip. Last year , the Shiprock Airstrip was awarded $350,000 for the design phase of runway reconstruction, and this latest grant will pay for construction and rehabilitation. The funding comes as part of the Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration's discretionary grant program.
"New Mexico's airports help drive the local economies of many of our communities, and keep them connected to the rest of the state. This grant will provide critical funding to the Shiprock Airstrip to continue improving infrastructure and expanding capacity," Udall said. "As a member of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce committees, I'll continue to fight for resources to modernize our airports and transportation systems to better connect our communities, and support tourism and business opportunities that help create jobs."
“Federal investments to improve infrastructure at our airports--particularly throughout Indian Country-- help drive commerce, create jobs, and connect rural communities across the state,” said Heinrich. “This grant will allow the Navajo Nation to rehabilitate the Shiprock Airstrip to improve safety and strengthen the local economy. I’m proud to fight for smart investments that build long-term economic growth and create jobs in our state.”
“Creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in our state is one of my top priorities. This grant provides $4.4 million from the FAA to allow the Shiprock Airstrip to improve infrastructure and increase their operations, which, in turn, will provide greater opportunities for existing businesses and holds the key to new economic activity as well," Luján said.
