Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly Demand FAA Finalize Kingman Airport Land Release

Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) jointly demanded in a letter that Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Bryan Bedford finalize a long-delayed land release for the Kingman Municipal Airport that would put $250 million into economically developing Northwest Arizona.

The deal has been in the works for over six years, yet has not been finalized, "despite [Kingman] working in good faith with the FAA," as Sens. Gallego and Kelly write. "We urge the FAA to work with the City of Kingman to resolve any outstanding issues to complete this land release in a timely manner."

"The evolving interpretations of appraisal requirements and other procedural expectations have created additional hurdles for the City of Kingman and prolonged a process that has already been underway for six years," the lawmakers continue. "Completing this process will allow the city to move forward with a project that will create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy while maintaining the operational integrity of Kingman Municipal Airport."

In addition to the demand to expedite the paperwork, Sens. Gallego and Kelly voiced concerns about new payment and appraisal requirements that conflict with previous agreements reached through the FAA's Phoenix Airport District Office, which further hampers the agreement's finalization.

"If FAA determines that an additional appraisal is needed, we urge that the ACO [Aircraft Certification Office] act expeditiously to work with the City to identify an acceptable appraiser who has experience valuing properties in Kingman," the Arizona Senators concluded.

Last June, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) similarly questioned Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau on reducing PFAS emissions, the Pinal Airpark, and recruiting and retaining air traffic controllers during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.

The Pinal Airpark had lacked an air control tower, for which Rep. Ciscomani asked, "Can I have your agency's commitment to fully consider Pinal Airpark as a candidate for a new tower under this program?"

Rocheleau gave a firm "yes."