WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $9 million to the Roswell International Air Center (RIAC) to fund the rehabilitation of 5,000 feet of Runway 03/21. The grant will help maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize foreign object debris.
"I'm proud to support this funding for the Roswell International Air Center, and as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I'll continue to fight for investments in aviation and other infrastructure that help make our state more accessible to residents, visitors and businesses alike," Udall said. "Investments in New Mexico's airports like the one in Roswell are vital to ensuring the safety of air travel and promoting economic development. Improving airports can help connect and strengthen local economies, and make it easier for businesses to expand in rural areas, and I am pleased to support the Roswell community that has been working diligently on this project."
"New Mexico's aviation and transportation industry is a major economic driver for the state, and our airport in Roswell is attracting good business," Heinrich said. "This federal investment is critical to safety and infrastructure maintenance, will help improve pavement conditions, and will also boost commerce and travel, and enable long-term economic growth and development."
This grant will fund phase three of a four phase project. This phase will include the second phase of construction.
RIAC is located five miles south of Roswell's central business district and is critical to southeastern New Mexico's industrial activity.
Udall and Heinrich are strong supporters of growing New Mexico's aviation industry. Last October, they announced a $450,000 federal grant for the City of Roswell to support the community's efforts to begin nonstop air travel service from RIAC to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Last September, the senators announced more than $14 million in grants to support air transportation in New Mexico. The grants, which were awarded to Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Lea County, Questa, Roswell and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, were to fund repairs and maintenance, runway extensions, emissions reduction, and strategic planning.
