LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Dana Youngentob,

Laredo, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $13.75 million in federal funding for upgrades at Laredo International Airport.

The funding, provided through three separate grants, will be used by the airport to create a marketing program advertising its airport services.

The funding will also be used to upgrade the H1, H2 and Alpha Taxiways. Lastly, the funding will be used for the airport’s long-term renovation plans to upgrade the terminal building.

“Ensuring our airport’s infrastructure is up-to-date means a stronger economy, more jobs, and a better quality of life for the people of Laredo,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“These federal investments will help our city keep pace with economic growth and increased tourism in South Texas.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund programs that foster economic development in our community. I would like to thank Mayor Pete Saenz, Laredo International Airport Interim Director Gilberto Sanchez, Laredo City Council and all who helped to secure this funding and continue to support investments in Laredo’s transportation infrastructure.”

“Being awarded these funds is monumental for the Airport. It will allow for the City to continue ensuring exemplary safety measures on the airfield, improve security inside the passenger terminal, and encourage citizens to fly locally.

We are appreciative of Congressman Henry Cuellar’s assistance in receiving these federal grants and are looking forward for the future of the Laredo International Airport,” said Mayor Pete Saenz.

“These grants are vital for the Laredo International Airport’s future improvements and development. These funds will be used to improve the passenger terminal’s infrastructure, the construction of new taxiways on the airfield, and to increase the awareness of air service opportunities in Laredo.

We are looking forward to implementing the plans and goals we have for the Airport and improving the experience our community has when flying through Laredo. We are thankful for Congressman Cuellar and his continuous support towards the innovation and growth of the Laredo International Airport,” said Gilberto Sanchez, Interim Airport Director.

More details on the grants are below:

FY22 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations for the Airport Improvement Grants

$7,500,000 to improve/modify/rehabilitate the terminal building 3

This funding will support the larger terminal building renovation plans. The Congressman previously secured $1,483,521 for terminal improvement projects in December 2021. The airport will receive a similar tranche of funding every year for the next five years. Estimated funding from this award is expected to be $7,400,000. The airport also received a $2,500,000 grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FFA) Airport Terminal Program for the expansion of the TSA security checkpoint area and other terminal enhancements.

$6,000,000 for taxiway construction

The project includes demolition of existing pavement, new asphalt pavement base, new concrete pavement section, drainage improvements, taxiway lighting and signage, and airfield markings. The project also includes the reconstruction of a portion of Taxiway A in the west cargo apron. The project will be constructed in five phases.

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant

$250,000 for Laredo International Airport

This grant will be used to increase the awareness of air service options at LRD to increase the use of the airport by local travelers who drive out of town to other airports.

Since 2005, Congressman Cuellar has secured over $229 million for Laredo International Airport.