Congressman Gonzalez Announces $8.9 Million in Federal Funding for Harlingen and McAllen Airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $8.9 million in funding to two Rio Grande Valley airports for general improvements via the agency's Airport Improvement Program.

"As our region continues to grow, it is crucial that our airports' infrastructure is able to meet the demands of increased travel over the next few decades," said Congressman Gonzalez. "These critical improvements will ensure the health and safety of passengers, pilots, crews, and airport technicians at Valley International and McAllen International Airports."

"We would like to thank Congressman Gonzalez for his support in securing funding for this critical airport infrastructure project," said Marv Esterly, Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport. "This runway extension will assist our larger widebody cargo aircraft, which operate on a daily basis here at Valley International Airport, by improving their ability to take off with heavier loads. In addition, the extra runway length, along with improved aircraft approach capabilities, will assist our airlines during inclement weather by minimizing delays and cancellations."

The FAA's Airport Improvement Program awarded Valley International Airport (VIA) with $2.7 million to expand its runway and McAllen International Airport (MFE) with $6.2 million for drainage improvements, erosion control, and airfield safety design.

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