Gateway Airport receives funding to expand passenger terminal

Gateway Airport receives $8.9 million to expand passenger terminal

Mesa, AZ – Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has been awarded $8.9 million by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand the airport’s commercial passenger terminal. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Queen Creek Mayor Art Sanders, who also serves as the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board Chair, made the announcement this morning during a news conference at the airport.

“We were excited earlier in the year when we learned Gateway was once again accepted in the FAA program,” Congressman Harry Mitchell said. “Now, I am very pleased that Gateway was able to secure nearly $9 million for this critical project. Gateway continues to have a significant economic impact on our region, and this funding will allow the airport to expand its terminal to aid in those efforts.”

Gateway will receive funds for an additional three years to complete terminal area projects designed to meet the needs due to the rapid growth of the airport, which is the third busiest airport in Arizona, and the busiest contract tower airport in the country.

“Mesa once again scored with major federal funding that will allow the airport to expand its terminal to handle the ever increasing passenger loads from the incredibly successful Allegiant Air, who has made the dream of Gateway becoming a viable reliever airport a reality,” Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said.

“Congressman Mitchell has been a strong advocate for Gateway,” Queen Creek Mayor and Board Chair Art Sanders said. “He has fought to secure funding for the airport over the last few years including $1.75 million in 2008 and another $950,000 in 2009. These funds helped support runway expansion and improvement projects. It is significant that these funds are coming to us from the FAA as discretionary and not earmark funding. The importance of this airport is recognized nationally.”

The funds will be made available through the FAA’s 2009 Military Airport Program (MAP), which uses federal funds to convert former military airports to civilian or joint-use airports. Gateway joins 11 other airports participating in this year’s program.

“This is fantastic news,” Mesa Councilmember Scott Somers said. “With Allegiant Air’s expanding passenger service, we need to move quickly to expand our capacity at this airport. This expansion will also support the growing aerospace industry in the region including international businesses such as Embraer.” The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located in Councilmember Somers district.

This morning’s news conference was attended by representatives from Congressman Mitchell’s office and the FAA Western Region office, numerous elected officials including Gilbert Mayor John Lewis and State Representative Lauren Hendrix, representatives from several state agencies as well as various city and airport staff members.

Source: City of Mesa

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