Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated Tucson International Airport authorities on receiving a new $19.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess and rehabilitate the airport apron, the area excluding runways where planes are parked and serviced. The funds come through a discretionary grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and will be supplemented by $957,226 from the Arizona Department of Transportation to help offset a federal grant matching requirement.

According to Tucson Airport Authority information, the current apron was built in 1960 and will be replaced with new concrete. The project will include a new service vehicle roadway, a new storm drainage system, new lighting, a new power system, hydrant fueling system modifications, a fuel loading stand, a blast wall and security fencing.

“Making transportation safer and more efficient is the kind of government assistance we need more of, not less of, as we keep trying to improve our economy,” Grijalva said. “It’s time for Congress to recognize the value of these projects all over the country and commit to building a real twenty-first century economy. I join the people of Southern Arizona in thanking the Airport Authority for pursuing these funds and putting them to such good use.”

“This reconstruction project will ensure TIA can continue to safely accommodate our community’s passenger airline service needs,” said TAA President and CEO Bonnie Allin.

The grant covers the first phase of a projected three-year effort, which is expected to cost of $48 million and employ 70 people. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2013.

For more information, call Tucson International Airport at (520) 573-8100.