On October 29, 2024, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 21,000 square foot terminal at Clovis Regional Airport (CVN). This project is backed by a substantial investment totaling $22.7 million, which includes a $15.7 million grant and a $3.5 million grant from the Infrastructure Law, alongside a $3.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending award led by Heinrich. During the ceremony, Heinrich emphasized the critical role of investing in New Mexico's airports as a means to foster economic growth and job creation. He noted that the Infrastructure Law is set to inject $4.3 billion into New Mexico for various projects, with allocations including $1.8 billion for roads and bridges, $710 million for clean drinking water, and $50 million specifically for airports.
Leger Fernández echoed these sentiments, highlighting the investment's potential to enhance connectivity for families and stimulate economic vitality in eastern New Mexico. This new terminal is expected to not only improve transportation infrastructure but also serve as a catalyst for local economic development, ultimately benefiting the community at large. The commitment to upgrading airport facilities aligns with broader efforts to enhance regional infrastructure and support sustainable growth in New Mexico's economy.
In a related context, the Port of Baltimore recently secured a $31 million grant for upgrades at the Dundalk Terminal, which is crucial for accommodating the recovery of cargo volumes post-disruptions caused by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The port is currently handling about 90% of its cargo volume from a year ago, showcasing a significant rebound in shipping activities. Such investments across various transport sectors underline the importance of infrastructure development in driving economic recovery and growth across the United States.