Gonzalez secures $3.8 million to expand runway at Valley International Airport

HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has announced more than $3.8 million in federal funding to support the fourth and final phase of Valley International Airport’s improvement projects. 

Specifically, the grant will support the extension of Runway 35L by an additional 1,100 feet to accommodate more traffic, Gonzalez said. This would make it the longest runway south of Austin, Texas.  

Gonzalez pointed out that the award comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program and is being awarded to the City of Harlingen.

“I was proud to support the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which has provided millions to upgrade South Texas’s infrastructure, including roads, water systems, broadband, and airports,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This significant investment for Valley International will enhance our ability to meet current and future demands of our transportation hubs.” 

To date, Gonzalez said, Valley International has received $15.9 million in infrastructure improvement grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also commented on the funding announcement.

“Americans are flying in record numbers this summer, and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to invest in our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers,” Buttigieg said. “The funding we’re announcing, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.” 

Buttigieg said Valley International Airport is one of the 245 airports across 39 states that will receive funding to modernize and improve their infrastructure. 

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda welcomed the news.

“Improved infrastructure at Valley International Airport means more opportunities for business growth, increased tourism, and enhanced connectivity for the entire Rio Grande Valley,” Sepulveda said. “We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Gonzalez’s unwavering support and dedication to our community’s progress and prosperity.”

Marv Esterly, aviation director for Valley International Airport, thanked the FAA and Rep. Gonzalez for the funds.

“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Gonzalez and the FAA for their continued support and this generous award,” Esterly said. “The $3,828,739 funding for the final phase of our runway extension project is a critical investment in the future of Valley International Airport. This project will enhance our capacity, improve safety, and ensure that we can continue to serve the growing needs of the Rio Grande Valley. We are committed to making Valley International Airport a modern, efficient, and accessible hub for our community.” 

Editor’s Note: For more information on the DOT’s grant process and investment programs, visit www.transportation.gov.  

Esterly’s analysis

Marv Esterly, aviation director for Valley International Airport. (Photo credit: RGG)

Marv Esterly recently spoke at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s Commercialization and Investment Tour event. He participated in a panel discussion moderated by Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Beverly Ticer Loftus. It was held at Texas State Technical College-Harlingen.

Esterly spoke about the fact that he and the board of directors have to run VIA like a private business because they receive no funding from the City of Harlingen. He also spoke about the big projects happening at the airport and the need to find industry partners to fill land adjacent to the airport.

Here are Esterly’s remarks at the RGVP event in full:

The post Gonzalez secures $3.8 million to expand runway at Valley International Airport appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.