Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that several New Mexico airports will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to make improvements to their facilities and runways.

“Airports are an important economic tool, but are expensive to maintain. I’m pleased the federal government is lending a helping hand to several communities in New Mexico to allow them keep their airports in top shape,” Bingaman said.

The following airports received funding:

• $4.12 million - Clovis Municipal Airport: Funding will be used to rehabilitate runway 4/22. Bingaman is requesting $3.7 million in a fiscal year 2009 spending bill to extend the main runway to accommodate increased traffic associated with the new mission for Cannon Air Force Base.

• $1.25 million – Four Corners Regional Airport: Funding will be used for the following: to purchase a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle to replace the existing one, which has exceeded its useful life; for the installation of new guidance signs; for design to rehabilitate the taxiway; for design to rehabilitate the parking lot; to update the airport layout plan, which will identify current and future capitol improvement needs required at the airport and to rehabilitate runway markings and install enhanced taxiway centerlines markings.

• $708,720 – Lea County Regional Airport: Funding will be used to rehabilitate runway lights to improve safety.

• $360,000 – State of New Mexico: Funding will be used to update the state’s Aviation System Plan, which will assist in establishing current and future needs of the system.

• $353,505 – Artesia Municipal Airport: Funding will be used to rehabilitate the airport access road to extend the useful life of the pavement.

• $346,750 - State of New Mexico: Funding will be used to purchase and install AWOS-IIP/T weather reporting devices at Artesia, Sierra Blanca, Alamogordo and Silver City airports. The equipment will greatly enhance safety by providing real-time weather condition reports to pilots.

• $179,600 – Las Vegas Regional Airport: Funding will be used to install a visual approach slope indicator to enhance the safety of the airport by providing accurate vertical guidance to aircraft using the airport. Funding will also be used for design of a snow removal equipment building and to rehabilitate runway pavement markings.

• $67,000 - Los Alamos Airport: Funding will be used to rehabilitate the apron to improve the surface drainage and extend the life of the pavement.