Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will receive $14.4 million towards its Terminal Modernization Project under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Rep. Greg Stanton announced Thursday. The funds will be used to construct a new permanent terminal to replace the existing temporary terminal—Gateway’s number one priority as passenger traffic is expected to grow by more than 50 percent over the next 10 to 15 years.
“This is a big win for the East Valley’s economy. A new permanent terminal will make Gateway Airport even more attractive for investment and opportunity, and support expanded travel and job opportunities for residents,” Stanton said.
Stanton urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson to support the project in a letter in March. [LINK]
Gateway, one of the fastest growing commercial service airports in the country, has used a portable 10,000-square-foot “temporary passenger terminal annex” with four gates, meant to accommodate passengers until a permanent structure could be constructed. However, continued rapid growth forced the airport to strategically prioritize additional terminal projects and delayed replacement of the temporary terminal, which continues to be used daily.
The announcement drew praise from Mesa Mayor John Giles and Executive Director and CEO of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport J. Brian O'Neill.
"Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is one of the fastest growing commercial airports in the country," Giles said. "The downside of our rapid growth was the inability to update some of our original gates to keep up with the increased customer demand. The new federal investment in our terminal modernization project will ensure that we provide our customers with a great experience, while expanding capacity to keep up with future growth.”
“Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority appreciates the $14.4MM federal grant for our five-gate terminal addition and applauds Senator Sinema, Senator Kelly, Congressman Stanton, and Arizona’s entire Congressional Delegation for understanding the regional economic importance of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport," O'Neill said. "This terminal modernization project will enable the Airport to stay ahead of our record-setting growth.”
Stanton has prioritized investments in Gateway to ensure it can keep pace with the East Valley region’s growth—in 2020, he worked to expedite a $10 million discretionary grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to start construction on a new air traffic control tower. [LINK]
The airport welcomes nearly 2 million passengers annually, offering nonstop service to more than 60 destinations in the U.S. and Canada. It serves as a key economic driver, supporting more than 10,000 jobs and contributing $1.8 billion to our regional economy each year.
A full list of projects funded and more information about the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are available HERE.