Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff Visits the Sunport
Multiple improvements underway as part of reimagined Sunport experience
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, Mayor Keller, along with Aviation Director Richard McCurley, New Mexico Lt. Governor Howie Morales, State Secretary of Transportation Ricky Serna, representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other city and state leaders, joined the Second Gentleman during his visit to the Albuquerque International Sunport to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in transportation infrastructure. The Sunport is undergoing renovations to modernize the entire passenger experience and spur economic growth in Albuquerque as part of its Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined evolution. Albuquerque has been awarded a total of $19.8M for the renovations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“The historic investments the Biden-Harris Administration is making will help to improve both the employee and passenger experience,” said Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. “We’re transforming communities, lowering costs, and creating opportunities for families, workers, and small businesses.”
The funding will support the Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) renovations -22 total- as well as an assessment and design of the airport’s forthcoming in-line baggage handling system. The PBB renovation runs in tandem with the Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined renovation and concessions redevelopment to elevate the Sunport experience and make the Gateway of New Mexico a safer and more modern and efficient airport.
“The Sunport is critical point of connection not only for Albuquerque, but for the entire state of New Mexico, and thanks to the support of the Biden-Harris administration, this funding will compliment our ongoing efforts to modernize and reimagine the Sunport experience,” said Mayor Keller.
Of the $19.8M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law highlighted on the visit, $14M has been awarded to the Sunport specifically for PBB renovations, which includes a complete renovation to replace mechanical equipment/bridge controls, HVAC, and interior/exterior finishes. Construction on the PBB project began in September of 2023 and has an anticipated completion date of spring 2026. Five of the 22 passenger boarding bridge renovations have been completed. Construction will be phased to allow continuous operations throughout the terminal.
Additionally, $5.8M of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been awarded for assessment and design of the Sunport’s forthcoming in-line baggage handling system.
“These renovations at the Sunport will make a mark in Albuquerque for decades to come,” said Aviation Director Richard McCurley. “I would like to extend our appreciation to the entire Biden-Harris Administration as well as our partners at the New Mexico Department of Transporation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for supporting these efforts. We look forward to working with all our partners to make the Sunport a true engine for growth in our state.”
For more information on the Sunport’s Dream of Flight renovation, visit ABQ Sunport Biz.
