LAREDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RECEIVES FUNDS FOR RUNWAY
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jun 24, 2009, 1 Comment
Congressman Cuellar announces additional $2.5 million in federal funding for runway rehabilitation, bringing Fiscal Year 2009 total to more than $19 million
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded an additional $2.5 million to the Laredo International Airport to rehabilitate runway 17R/35L. The monies are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the job creation bill that was enacted by Congress earlier this year.
Runway 17R/35L is Laredo’s primary runway, and the area to be reconstructed under this grant is approximately 5,900 feet long by150 feet wide – roughly the area of 18 football fields. In addition to strengthening Laredo’s economy, the reconstruction of Runway 17R/35L will enhance the airport’s operational safety, reduce operational and maintenance cost, and enhance fleet capacity. Construction for the $10.565 million project is expected to begin early next month, with an estimated completion date of November 2009.
“In today’s challenging economy, these funds will also create new jobs, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and provide a major boost to the local economy,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I applaud the efforts of the U.S. Department of Transportation for continuing to funnel dollars to our local economy, and for ensuring the safety of all those travelling to and from the Laredo International Airport.”
“Thanks to the hard work of Congressman Cuellar and the grants received from the Federal Aviation Administration, the infrastructure improvements to the airport are allowing us to make the Laredo International Airport a hub for increased passenger and cargo activity for this area,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.
In working collaboratively with Mayor Raul G. Salinas, City Council Members, and Airport Director Jose Luis Flores, Congressman Cuellar has secured more than $19 million for the Laredo International Airport this fiscal year. From October 1, 2008, to now, the airport has received the following federal grants.
Apron Rehabilitation $3,354,613
ARRA Grant 1 $8,000,000
Runway 17 R Upgrades, Apron Rehabilitation $3,092,510
Noise Abatement $2,000,000
ARRA Grant 2 $2,565,744
Total: $19,012,867
