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Laredo, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and the City of Laredo announced $4 million to rehabilitate the airport’s apron, the area where aircrafts are parked, loaded and unloaded. These federal funds will be used to modernize and achieve higher levels of safety and productivity at the Laredo Airport, helping move people and goods faster, cheaper and more efficiently. In the last 10 years, the Laredo International Airport has received over $149 million in federal funds.

“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. “This federal investment will help our city keep pace with economic growth and increased tourism in South Texas. As a 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, Interim Co-City Managers Robert Eads and Rosario Cabello, Laredo International Airport Director Jeffrey Miller and all who helped to secure this funding and continue to support investments in Laredo’s transportation infrastructure.”

“This investment of $4 million will be used to make improvements to our airport so that we can continue to expand and provide excellent service to the community and our trade partners," said Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. “I thank Congressman Cuellar for his work in securing these federal funds for Laredo."

Increasing Efficiency and Safety at the Laredo International Airport

These federal funds were awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program under the Department of Transportation. This program provides airports with needed funds to continue the development of ports and increase efficiency and safety for travelers and cargo. 

This federal grant will assist in rehabilitating the Cargo Apron for the airport in order to serve as an active aircraft parking area for cargo fleets using the airport. This project will include paving the area with concrete to increase the amount of weight the area can hold, and drainage improvements. Overall, this project will enhance safety and operational efficiency by improving the pavement condition and reducing damage to the aircrafts.

International Customs and Trade at Laredo International Airport

In 2018, 680 million pounds of air cargo landed via the Port of Laredo. Over the last year, air traffic operations have increased over 15% and in the last five years, Laredo’s customs district has seen its trade grow by 30.94%. Over the last two decades Laredo’s trade has increased 354.93%, more than twice as fast as the U.S. overall. Additionally, the Laredo International Airport is the only airport on the U.S.-Mexico border with 24/7 U.S. Customs processing and Mexican Customs pre-clearance.

Rep. Cuellar presents $4 million in federal funds to the Laredo International Airport on Monday. Pictured from left to right are Congressman Henry Cuellar, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Co-City Manager Robert Eads, Aiport Director Jeffrey Miller and Co-City Manager Rosario Cabello. 

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