Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced the awarding of $5,796,502 in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Airport Improvement Program to the Laredo International Airport. Congressman Cuellar announced $26.3 million in FAA funds last year to the Laredo International Airport to help finance the airport’s ongoing efforts to reduce noise for those living near the airport and the full reconstruction of an existing taxiway.

This new FAA grant of $5,765,502 will be used to make necessary improvements to the airport’s facilities, which include widening the existing taxiway, the design and rehabilitation of the existing cargo apron and installing guidance signs.

Congressman Cuellar (TX-28) and the City of Laredo on Friday announce a $5.8 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Airport Improvement Program. The funds will be used to make necessary improvements to the airport’s facilities. Pictured from left to right are Assistant City Manager Robert Eads; Congressman Henry Cuellar; District V Council Member Nelly Vielma; Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz; Laredo International Airport Advisory Board Members Elizabeth Alonzo Villarreal, Adrienne G. Trevino and Jose D. Gonzalez; and Acting Airport Director Mario Maldonado.

“The Laredo International Airport is quickly becoming a leader in international trade air traffic and passenger destination experience,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These federal funds announced today will allow the Laredo International Airport to make much-needed updates to its infrastructure that will enable safer and more efficient movement of both cargo and passenger air traffic,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I thank Mayor Pete Saenz, City Manager Horacio de Leon, Council Member Nelly Vielma, Acting Airport Director Mario Maldonado and all who helped secure this funding and continue to support the growth and development of our city.”

“The FAA’s award of $5.8 million to the Laredo International Airport to implement safety and operational efficiencies will greatly assist in enhancing Airport services and contribute to the airport’s success in serving our community’s leisure travel as well as furthering Laredo’s competitive role in international trade,” said Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz.

Specifically, the funds will help with the following projects at the Laredo International Airport:

·         Widen Taxiway E to meet current FAA design standards for aircraft users of the airport

·         Phase 10 for the rehabilitation of 16,300 square yards of the existing cargo apron to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement

·         Rehabilitate existing cargo apron and Phase 11 Design

·         Phase 2 for the installation of airfield guidance signs throughout the airfield due to magnetic variation at the airport

The Laredo International Airport has received over $130 million in federal funds in the last 10 years and over $230 million in over the last 25 years.