WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced $5,290,000 in grants to support air transportation infrastructure projects at airports in Artesia and Roswell. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation, awarded the grants to fund airport rehabilitation projects.
The Artesia Municipal Airport will receive $3,150,000 and the Roswell International Air Center will receive $2,140,000 to rehabilitate and maintain their existing runways. These airports expand transportation options for New Mexicans to connect to communities in the state and across the country, and also service federal facilities such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
"These grants to repair and maintain the runways at the airports in Artesia and Roswell will help ensure we have the up-to-date transportation infrastructure needed to facilitate access to federal facilities and support the growth of commerce and tourism in Southeast New Mexico," Udall said. "The region is already seeing the economic benefits of the new flights between Roswell and Phoenix, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to fight for funding to strengthen our state's air transportation infrastructure to make travel easier and safer for New Mexicans and visitors."
"These investments will update two of New Mexico's airports and keep our state a prime destination for business and tourism," Heinrich said. "The airports in Artesia and Roswell also play a critical role in serving our federal facilities, such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the International Law Enforcement Academy, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Roswell's direct flights to Phoenix and Dallas support long-term economic growth and job creation and will increase opportunities for the entire region."
In March, American Airlines began conducting commercial nonstop flights from Roswell, New Mexico, to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The new flights have helped boost the region's economy by expanding transportation options for businesses and visitors alike.
Projects awarded funding:
Artesia Municipal Airport--$3,150,000
This project will fund the reconstruction of 3,300 feet of the existing Runway 12/30 pavement. And it will provide funding for the final phase of a 3-phase project.
Roswell International Air Center--$2,140,000
This project will fund the final phase of construction to rehabilitate 3,200 feet of Runway 3/21. And it will help maintain and repair the pavement and remove foreign object
