Phoenix City Council Approves Airport’s Roadmap for the Future

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the Phoenix City Council have voted to send the Airport’s Comprehensive Asset Management Plan (CAMP) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for review and approval. The Mayor and Council approved the Airport’s roadmap for the future during the June 11, 2019 Policy Session.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona. Each year, it brings more than $38 billion to the economy and creates 58,000 jobs. The Airport provides vital opportunities for businesses both large and small, and it is critical that the Airport has the facilities and services to serve the region well into the future. CAMP is a roadmap necessary for America’s Friendliest Airport to be able to meet this future demand.

The long-term plan includes: Moving cargo and support operations to the north side of the Airport to create room for expanded terminal facilities; working with the Union Pacific Railroad to partially trench the track and build a taxiway bridge so that planes can access the relocated cargo operations; and providing space for the Air National Guard 161st Refueling Wing to expand on the south side of the Airport.

America’s Friendliest Airport strives to not only provide world-class customer service, but world-class facilities including a variety of food and retail options as well as access to charging stations. To continue to provide modern facilities to meet customer demand and meet its goal, the Airport will also need to renovate some of its older space in Terminal 4.

Sky Harbor’s central location, increased vehicle traffic, and security requirements have resulted in a need to make adjustments to its roadway system. As part of Sky Harbor’s pathway to the future, the Airport is also examining ways to improve Sky Harbor Boulevard.

Each individual project in this plan will need to be approved by the Phoenix City Council. And the airport roadmap is designed to be phased incrementally, so that each portion is built when demand warrants. All projects would be paid for through grants, airport revenues, facility charges and bonds. No local tax dollars would be utilized. For more information on CAMP, please visit skyharbor.com/camp

“The best infrastructure projects anticipate the needs of a community far into the future. Sky Harbor is one of our state’s largest economic engines and, with this unanimous vote, it will continue to drive our economy for generations to come,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. 

“Sky Harbor Airport is not only important for Phoenix but for the State of Arizona as well. The approval of the airport’s Comprehensive Asset Management Plan is a big step in ensuring we are prepared for the future use of Sky Harbor. I want to thank the community, stakeholders, staff, and airlines who participated in this process. This was truly a team effort and I know we will look back on this day in the future and be proud of the work we completed,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, District 1, member of the Aviation and Transportation Subcommittee. 

“Phoenix is fortunate to have a world-class airport located within our city. Approving this 20-year plan to meet future demands was not only necessary but smart. I am proud of the outstanding work completed thus far to plan ahead. This is only the beginning, as we will continue to work to meet the future demands of Sky Harbor Airport,” said Councilwoman Debra Stark, District 3, Chair of the Aviation and Transportation Subcommittee. 

“As customer demand continues to grow at Sky Harbor, it is vitally important that we prepared for the future. I am proud we were able to come together with community stakeholders and partners to pass a plan that prepares Sky Harbor Airport for the next 20 years and beyond. As the airport continues to expand north, I hope to see the City continue our partnership with our business and education communities to increase access to high paying jobs in and around the airport,” said Councilwoman Laura Pastor, District 4. 

“I am extremely pleased with the work our Aviation Department staff has done putting this together with our many local partners, and I’m excited to see the National Guard be able to expand their footprint at Sky Harbor. We have the best airport in the country for travelers, and our Aviation team deserves a lot of credit for that,” said Councilman Sal DiCiccio, District 6. 

“Phoenix Sky Harbor is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona and it’s right in the heart of District 8. I’m happy that my first official vote as a Councilmember was in favor of this plan. It’s important that we continue to plan ahead to be able to accommodate future growth for our district and the city. Our office will ensure that the implementation of the plan takes into account the diverse voices and needs of those impacted by this investment,” said Councilman Carlos Garcia, District 8, representing the District where Sky Harbor is located.