WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. Greg Stanton announced today that Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport would receive a $36 million federal Airport Terminal Program grant. The funding, made possible under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to replace the Central Utility Plant and associated equipment that provides cooling to the main terminal building, eight concourses, and connector bridges—Sky Harbor’s highest reinvestment priority at Terminal 4.
The project will help Phoenix Sky Harbor achieve its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040—conserving both electricity and water while reducing operations and maintenance costs.
“Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 welcomed a record 49 million passengers last year, and 2024 is shaping up to be even busier. This funding confirms our commitment to providing the best, most comfortable experience for visitors to Phoenix, while meeting our ambitious sustainability goals,” Stanton said.
“The 35-year-old Terminal 4 Central Plant is the heart of our terminal cooling system, providing over 9,600 tons of cooling for more than 2.5 million square feet of space to keep our passengers and employees comfortable,” Chad Makovsky, City of Phoenix Aviation Director said. “With our continued record-setting passenger demand, this grant comes at a perfect time to help us modernize our facilities, reduce our energy demand, and conserve our natural resources, all of which directly benefit our customers and community, and we thank Congressman Stanton for his longstanding support and advocacy for Sky Harbor.”
Terminal 4’s CUP was built in 1989, and the electrical and mechanical equipment is 35 years old. The CUP is the heart of the HVAC system for Terminal 4 and provides 9600 tons of cooling for 2.5 million square feet of occupied space. Cooling system technology has improved tremendously in the last 35 years to be more efficient and cost effective. While the airport employs a robust preventative maintenance program, the system needs to be replaced to ensure long-term viability of the facility for passengers, employees, airlines, and other business partners.