Thursday, September 15, 2016

Federal Aviation Administration awards $6.5M to 17 New Mexico airports

CARLSBAD — Cavern City Air Terminal in Carlsbad is one of 17 airports in New Mexico awarded funding for runway construction and maintenance.

More than $6.5 million is being provided by the Federal Aviation Administration to the airports for repairs.

“In communities across New Mexico, local airports play a critical role in the economy. From bringing visitors who want to experience the beauty of the Land of Enchantment to moving New Mexico’s unique products from our chile and pecans around the globe, airports are an essential part of our state’s infrastructure,” said U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján in a news release.

According to the release, Cavern City Air Terminal will receive $155,000 to fill cracks and provide a seal coat for 5,334 feet in one of the airport's runways.

Sherri Chandler, terminal manager, said she is not certain when the runway project will begin. She said the federal government is the main source of funding for airport runway maintenance.

"(They) always grant money to maintain runways. It's how most airports survive," Chandler said. "When a maintenance item comes up, it's put into effect."

Cavern City Air Terminal is a public airport with four runways. The City of Carlsbad website said the terminal provides services for private pilots and charters and offers flights to cities including Albuquerque and Dallas, Texas through its essential air service provider, Boutique Air.

“New Mexico’s airports play a key role in attracting business and tourism to New Mexico and driving our economy,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said in the release.

Airports awarded funding

Albuquerque International Sunport: $100,000

Cavern City Air Terminal: $155,000

Clayton Municipal Airpark Airport: $270,000

Conchas Lake Airport: 118,756

Deming Municipal Airport: $570,000

Fort Sumner Municipal: $270,104

Four Corners Regional Airport: $1,142,714

Lea County/Jal Airport: $117,990

Lea County Regional Airport: $800,000

Lordsburg Municipal Airport: $59,327

Reserve Airport: $474,975

Santa Fe Municipal Airport: 1,267,917

Santa Rosa Route 66 Airport: $118,755

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport: $116,550

Socorro Municipal Airport: $134,600

Truth or Consequences Municipal Airport: $204,728

Tucumcari Municipal Airport: $475,000

Source:   http://www.currentargus.com

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