Laredo, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $7,222,563 in federal funding for the expansion, improvements and upgrades to Laredo International Airport. The federal funding includes support for the expansion of the existing terminal building. It also includes upgrades to the interior spaces and public restrooms, upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, additional sanitization measures, and personnel and janitorial services. The funding will also provide economic relief from rent and minimum annual guarantees to large and small airport concessions.

“To help the airport prepare for future success, I helped secure funding that will provide the necessary resources to expand the terminal, supplement concessions that struggled throughout the pandemic, and provide economic relief for costs related to the operation of the airport throughout the pandemic,” 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, City Manager Robert Eads, Laredo International Airport Director Jeffrey Miller and all who helped to secure this funding and continue to support investments in Laredo’s transportation infrastructure.”

The terminal building was built in 1998 and is in need of renovations as consumer airport use has increased since its completion. According to the United States Census Bureau, Laredo’s population grew by 11.3% from April 2010 to July 2019. The renovations will rehabilitate the existing terminal building to accommodate passengers safely through the security areas, upgrade the public restrooms, upgrade interior spaces and address mechanical and electrical systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic also greatly impacted airports across the country, including the Laredo airport. In 2019, 89,963 people utilized the airport terminal. In 2020, this number dropped to 42,220 people (53% decrease) Because of the sudden drop in passenger usage, the airport concessions suffered great economic losses.

The breakout of funding is below:

Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program (ACRGP)—$1,430,318

Large/Small Concessions—$77,996

General American Rescue Plan Act Resources—$2,297,508

Laredo International: Expand Terminal Building, Improve/Modify/Rehabilitate Terminal Building—$3,416,741

TOTAL—$7,222,563

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