Gonzalez Announces $4.5 Mil Award to Valley International Airport to Increase 'Top-Notch Safety'

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) recently announced a $4.5 million federal award to Valley International Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The award will help fund the construction of a newly built, structurally sound, ADA-compliant air traffic control tower that will provide improved visibility for air traffic controllers.

Rep. Gonzalez celebrated the Terminal Program that is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to better our communities, modernize our infrastructure, and increase transportation reliability,” said the Texas lawmaker.

The congressman highlighted how the funding would provide much-needed safety for travelers and air traffic crew members.

“The funding will ensure that Valley International Airport continues to provide top-notch safety to onboard travelers and crews while improving workplace conditions for hardworking staff,” said Gonzalez.

Mayor of Harlingen Norma Sepulveda expressed her appreciation for the $4.5 million award from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“On behalf of the City of Harlingen, I extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) for his unwavering support in securing $4.5 Million in ATP funding for Valley International Airport's ATCT. Your dedication to our community's safety and growth is truly appreciated,” said Sepulveda.

Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport Mary Esterly shared a similar sentiment to Sepulveda.

"As the Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport, I am personally grateful to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for his steadfast advocacy for the ATCT project. Your support has been instrumental in enhancing the safety and efficiency of our airspace," said Esterly.

Recently, Gonzalez took to social media to share a statement from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) asking for the federal government to investigate the tragic drownings of 3 migrants at Eagle Pass, TX.

“I led a letter with @JoaquinCastrotx and CHC colleagues urging DOJ and DHS to investigate the recent drowning of migrants at Eagle Pass and use all options to stop @GovAbbott from implementing his deadly policies at our Southern Border. We can’t let his racist policies continue.”

In the statement, the lawmakers expressed their outrage at the drownings of 33-year-old Victerma de la Sancha Cerros, 10-year-old Yorlei Rubi, and 8-year-old Jonathan Augustin Briones de la Sancha as they attempted to cross the Rio Grande across the U.S.-Mexico border near Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, TX.

The CHC blasted the Abbott administration and the Texas DPS for refusing to allow Border Patrol agents access to the migrants facing death at the border. Furthermore, the representatives lamented the continued use of buoys which have been declared illegal.

“Although these dangerous buoys were deemed illegal, and their removal was ordered by a federal appeals court in December 2023, Texas officials have refused to remove the buoys,” reads the letter.