On Monday, August 19, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced $1,921,611 in federal funding for Laredo International Airport during National Aviation Week.
Courtesy/Office of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar
On Monday, August 19, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced over $1.9 million in federal funding for Laredo International Airport during National Aviation Week.
That same day, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino officially declared August 19-25 as National Aviation Week in Laredo, an annual celebration honoring the rich history and continued evolution of aviation.
Cuellar said the $1,921,611 in federal funds come from this year’s Airport Infrastructure Grant Program (AIG) of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. He said $1.1 million of those funds will be used to rehabilitate Taxiway A with a fully resilient concrete pavement.
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“This would improve safety and operational efficiency by reducing the risk of foreign object damage,” he said. “The remainder of the funds will be used to complete two new connecting taxiways that will allow the airport to comply with FAA standards.”
He added that the funds will enable the airport to further improve safety measures on the airfield, comply with FAA standards and encourage citizens to fly nearby.
“Modernizing our airport infrastructure means a stronger economy, more jobs and a better quality of life for the people of Laredo,” he said. “These federal investments will also help our city keep pace with economic growth and increasing tourism in South Texas.”
Cuellar said more than $229 million in federal funding has been provided to the airport over the past 19 years.
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“This airport is number eight in the state for cargo flights,” he said. “And it’s a very important airport and it’s historic because it’s the first port to do pre-customs inspections of cargo from both Mexico and the United States.”
Cuellar said they have invested $30 million in the airport’s rehabilitation and that they are currently using $17 million for that purpose, leaving them with $13 million left. They are looking to raise more money to complete the rehabilitation.
“We are also working on nearly $62 million to build two hangars and an administrative building for air and marine operations that will accommodate more planes and helicopters,” he said. “This will bring more safety, but at the same time, more pilots, more mechanics and more jobs for the community of Laredo.”
Gilberto Sanchez, director of Laredo International Airport, said that the funds announced and the celebration of National Aviation Week are very important to recognize the work of all those involved in the operation of the airport.
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“The people who work in aviation in Laredo have never been recognized,” he said. “The Laredo airport provides a lot of direct and indirect jobs and I think it’s very important to recognize that.”
He said that 68 employees work at the airport every day, but they create around 500 jobs every day through the work of private aircraft, airlines, construction works and other activities related to the airport.
Sanchez said the Laredo International Airport terminal was built 25 years ago and that the entire terminal is currently being rebuilt.
“We are trying to incorporate newer technology into the baggage system, another baggage train for baggage returns and new passenger bridges for boarding the planes,” he said. “That alone – replacing the four passenger bridges – is an $8 million project, in addition to designing a system to efficiently control lighting and air conditioning.”
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Sanchez asked the population for their understanding regarding the duration of the renovation of the terminal.
“We are continuing to work on improving the passenger experience. We are currently working with the airlines to see whether we can offer additional routes and ask for their understanding as we are in a restructuring process that will take around two years,” he said.
“All construction work always brings headaches, but ultimately it’s about providing a better experience for our passengers and all airport users.”
During the event, Trevino proclaimed National Aviation Week.
“We celebrate National Aviation Week, which used to be just National Aviation Day, but the most important thing is to recognize the progress of aviation in the world,” he said.
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Trevino said Laredo International Airport is critical to Laredo, the United States’ premier international trade port.
“We need to expand it, provide it with services and focus on something as essential and important as Laredo International Airport,” he said.
