HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has announced more than $3.8 million in federal funding to support the fourth and final phase of Valley International Airport improvement projects.
Specifically, the grant will support the extension of Runway 35L by an additional 1,080 feet to accommodate more traffic, Gonzalez said, making it the longest runway south of Austin, Texas.
Gonzalez noted that the funding comes from the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program of the bipartisan infrastructure bill and is being awarded to the city of Harlingen.
“I was proud to support the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that provides millions to modernize South Texas’ infrastructure, including roads, water systems, broadband and airports,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This significant investment for Valley International will improve our ability to meet the current and future needs of our transportation hubs.”
To date, Gonzalez said, Valley International has received $15.9 million in grants for infrastructure improvements under the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also commented on the funding announcement.
“Americans are flying in record numbers this summer, and the Biden-Harris administration continues to invest in our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers,” Buttigieg said. “The funding we announced, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will help airports across the country make the improvements needed to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.”
Buttigieg said Valley International Airport is one of 245 airports in 39 states that will receive funding to modernize and improve their infrastructure.
Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda welcomed the news.
“Improved infrastructure at Valley International Airport means more opportunities for business growth, increased tourism and improved connectivity throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” Sepulveda said. “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for his tireless support and commitment to the progress and prosperity of our community.”
Marv Esterly, director of aviation at Valley International Airport, thanked the FAA and Rep. Gonzalez for the funds.
“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Gonzalez and the FAA for their continued support and this generous award,” said Esterly. “The $3,828,739 funding for the final phase of our runway extension project is an important investment in the future of Valley International Airport. This project will increase our capacity, improve safety and ensure we can continue to meet the growing needs of the Rio Grande Valley. We are committed to making Valley International Airport a modern, efficient and accessible hub for our community.”
Editor’s Note: For more information on the DOT’s funding process and investment programs, visit www.transportation.gov.
Esterly’s analysis
Marv Esterly recently spoke at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership Commercialization and Investment Tour event. He participated in a panel discussion moderated by Beverly Ticer Loftus, Chief Operating Officer of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. The discussion took place at Texas State Technical College-Harlingen.
Esterly spoke about how he and the board need to run VIA like a private company since they receive no funding from the City of Harlingen. He also talked about the major projects taking place at the airport and the need to find industry partners to replenish the land adjacent to the airport.
Here are Esterly’s remarks at the RGVP event verbatim:
