The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a grant award of $10 million, and has pledged a total of $25 million, to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Airport, Gateway Airport) for construction of a new air traffic control tower (ATCT, Tower). The current ATCT at Gateway Airport was constructed as part of a military air traffic control system fifty years ago and is too short and does not provide enough controller cab space to efficiently manage current and future air traffic demand at the growing Airport. The total cost of the new ATCT is approximately $30 million and will be funded with a combination of Federal, State, and Airport dollars.
“We are grateful for our tremendous partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and applaud their continued support and investment in Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “The Airport is a vital part of the regional transportation system and a new Tower will enable Gateway Airport to meet the growing air transportation needs of the Greater Phoenix Region.”
Efforts to build a new Tower at Gateway Airport began over five years ago and required changing a Federal Law that prohibited airports with contract ATCT from receiving more than $2 million in federal funds for Tower construction. Through the bi-partisan efforts of Senators McCain, Flake, Sinema, and McSally, and Representatives Biggs, Stanton, Gosar, Gallego, Lesko, and Kirkpatrick the provision was amended to allow for more Federal participation in contract Tower construction.
J. Brian O'Neill, A.A.E. executive director Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport added, “Gateway Airport would like to thank the entire Arizona Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts to secure this critical funding for a new Air Traffic Control Tower. Our representatives in Washington truly understand the regional importance of the Airport and the need for continued infrastructure investment. We would also like to thank the staff at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their continued support, guidance, and confidence in the future growth and success of Gateway Airport.”
