EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso International Airport secured a total of over $44 million for several projects meant to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure.
In a press conference held on Thursday, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and members from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the procurement of a total of $44, 173,000 in federal grants for seven projects designed to enhance the airport’s safety, passenger experience and overall infrastructure through improvements on taxiways and ramps among other things.
Below is a breakdown of the projects according to the City of El Paso:
- 5-Node Taxiway Remediation Project – $26.8 million via FAA AIP Discretionary Funding
- Solar Array Installation at Rental Car Center – $3 million via FAA Supplemental Funding
- General Aviation Ramp Reconstruction – $10.6 million via FAA AIG BIL Funding
- Sustainability Master Plan – $360,000 via FAA Supplemental Funding
- Terminal Roof Replacement Phase 1 – $813,000 via FAA Supplemental Funding
- Solar Array at Short-Term Parking Lot – $1.75 million via Community Project Funding
- Terminal Drive Bridge Replacement – $850,000 via Community Project Funding
This latest announcement comes after KFOX14/CBS4 has already reported how the El Paso airport secured funding for two of those projects.
RELATED:$27.7M in Federal grants will boost El Paso Airport infrastructure, ensure safer flights
Now, if you are wondering how these projects will impact your holiday travels, KFOX14/CBS4 spoke with Juan Antonio “Tony” Nevarez, the airport’s interim director, to find out.
Nevarez said that the projects are currently in the design stage and most of them won’t start until 2025.
Furthermore, Nevarez said the airport has a great team with the FAA and is going to do “in-depth safety studies” to plan the execution of these projects and “minimize the impact for travelers.”
KFOX14/CBS4 also spoke with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.
She said she hopes the improvement projects will not only enhance safety but also boost the borderland economy.
“We know that a good, strong, modern airport helps us be more competitive,” Escobar said. “It’s something that businesses look at when they want to relocate. It’s something that– in terms of cross-border commerce– is critical.”
Escobar also mentioned how the securement of the federal funds is a “win” for El Paso as it means that local taxpayers don’t have to foot the bill, explaining that she was able to secure the funding thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ bipartisan infrastructure law.
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