Stimulus Funds Benefit Sky Harbor Taxiway Project
July 27, 2009
Phoenix, Ariz. – There has been much talk lately about federal stimulus money and projects, but how is that actually impacting the Valley of the Sun and PHX Sky Harbor Airport? PHX Sky Harbor is one of the beneficiaries of the stimulus money, and on July 27, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon spoke at a press conference held at Sky Harbor about a project underway from stimulus funding.
“This is a really important moment,” Gordon said. “So many people are unemployed. So many people have been suffering that we want to reinforce what Phoenix is doing in partnership with the Federal government.”
The Taxiway C Project is being paid for with federal stimulus funding of $11.7 million. This project involves replacing 2,200 linear feet of asphalt on the tarmac with 20-inch thick cement concrete. This in turn will create a commercial airport taxiway in an area that was used primarily in the past as a ramp or to taxi in general aviation aircraft. This will provide many benefits including allowing all flights on the north side to be able to travel seamlessly between the gates and runways.
Additionally, this will decrease taxiing time and get passengers to and from the gates and the destinations more quickly. There are also environmental benefits including the reduction of emissions and air pollution. Furthermore, replacing the asphalt with cement concrete will allow the taxiway to last longer, thereby saving the Airport money over the long-run.
During the press conference, Mayor Gordon expressed the importance of this project as having a great impact on the community by creating jobs and helping residents.
“I want to thank the Administration,” Gordon said. “I want to thank our public that has supported us in this mission by knowing as we put Phoenix and Valley and State residents to work, we will be turning our economy around quickly.”
The project, which is estimated to be completed in February 2010, is being run by AMES Construction. The company uses subcontractors who are 100 percent locally-based. An estimated 285 jobs have been created as a result of this project with 100-150 of them being construction jobs while the rest are in the areas of program management, design, etc.
Media Contact:
Sky Harbor Public Information Office
(602) 273-3300