WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced $18.5 million in federal grant funding for critical investments in Tucson International Airport’s infrastructure and security.
“Upgrading Tucson International Airport’s infrastructure will improve safety, increase efficiency, support the Arizona Air National Guard mission, and also create jobs,” said Sinema, Chair of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee.
“Tucson International Airport is an economic hub for southern Arizona and neighbor to the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National. These funds will expand the airport’s capacity and create jobs in southern Arizona. In the Senate, I will continue to work to secure key investments that modernize and upgrade Arizona’s airports and create economic opportunities for Arizonans,” said Kelly.
“I extend my gratitude to Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly for their efforts to secure funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements at the Tucson International Airport,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “These funds will allow TIA to continue to serve as our gateway to the rest of the country and world, promoting tourism and strengthening the flow of business and commerce into Tucson.”
The $18.5 million federal grant funding will advance the Airfield Safety Enhancement project at Tucson International Airport, the largest project in the airport’s history. The project will add a second full-length runways, which will allow for more commercial flights, but will also benefit the Arizona Air Guard, which uses the airport for its mission. These funds will improve and strengthen Tucson International Airport’s infrastructure and aviation safety and security.
As Chair of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee, Sinema has been the leading voice in the Senate for bipartisan infrastructure legislation, actively advocating for Arizona investments. Sinema recently held a hearing highlighting the need to invest in aviation infrastructure to ensure America’s airspace remains the safest and most reliable in the world. During the hearing, Sinema heard testimony from aviation industry leaders, including Danette Bewley, president and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority.