Airport News: Tucson Airport Authority Receives Federal Funding

At a meeting today, the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) noted that Fiscal Year 2009 had been one of its most successful with the receipt of $17.4 million in federal grant funding for the TAA Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

“The Authority has an extremely impressive track record of obtaining federal funds for Capital Improvement Projects,” said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin. “This is the result of the forward thinking members of the TAA who have made long range planning a priority.

“This has positioned the community to take advantage of airport funding opportunities by having projects ready to go. Over the last 15 years, TAA has secured nearly $125 million in federal and state grant monies in a highly competitive process among airports around the country.”

The funded projects for Tucson International Airport total $16.16 million and include $8.8 million for terminal apron construction, $5.4 million for the Sound Insulation Program, $144,000 for a drainage study, and $1.8 million from the economic stimulus package for security upgrades.

At Ryan Airfield, the grants total $1.2 million and are being used for a series of runway projects that include signage, rehab work and a connecting taxiway, and wildlife and drainage studies.

“These difficult times have presented the Authority with opportunities to capitalize on the vigorous bidding climate that exists,” stated TAA Vice President of Planning & Development Jill Merrick. “We are getting some of the most favorable pricing we’ve seen in years allowing us to maximize our available resources and create much needed jobs in the community.”

“The Authority is taking advantage of the economic slow down to continue its proactive focus on planning for future growth to support demand, recognizing that it is critical to be ready for the economic recovery we know is coming,” added Ms. Allin.

TAA has launched several infrastructure projects designed to meet future demand including 60 acres southeast of the airfield reserved for industrial development with airfield access; improvements to Aero Park Blvd. that will support new business development on the south side of the airport; and at Ryan Airfield, improvements to the airport main entrance roadway, Airfield Drive.

The Tucson Airport Authority, TAA, is a nonprofit entity created by State Charter in 1948. Composed of 115 community members, the Authority has a nine-member board of directors that meets monthly. TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin, oversees day-to-day operations, and a staff of 300 employees. TAA manages Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.

Tucson International Airport
. 8 airlines provide 128 daily departures and arrivals
. 2008 Passengers: 4,225,869
. Three Runways: 11L/29R; 11R/29L; 3/21
. Land Area: 8,244 acres
. Elevation: 2,641’

Ryan Airfield
. 2008 Aircraft Operations: 168,052
. Three Runways: 6R/24L, 6L/24R, 15/33
. Land Area: 1,804 acres
. Elevation: 2,417’