Dona Ana County Jetport Expansion Breaks Ground
NM – The first tenant to the county jetport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico was approved by Doña Ana County. Burrell Aviation plans to construct a new air cargo handling facility, cold storage, distribution center, and aircraft maintenance hangars at the Doña Ana County International Jetport. Jetport Manager William Provance told commissioners the development of air cargo capability at the jetport will support growth in the Santa Teresa Industrial Park and bring in new jobs. Burrell plans to build the four structures, which will cost about $72 million, over the next three years.
The lease contract lasts 30 years and has a 10-year extension option. Along with the county commission, the lease contract will also require New Mexico State Board of Finance approval. The ground lease agreement will cost Burrell $0.19 per square foot with a footprint of approximately 40 acres. The lease agreement requires the county to upgrade the runway and taxiways and construct ramps to accommodate large aircraft such as a Boeing 737. This will cost the county over $11 million.
Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa was approved by U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray LuJán to brake construction on Aug. 16th for a new T-hangar. Senator Heinrich was able to secure $2.25 million for the expansion project. The investment is being led by both federal and state governments, as the airport is anticipated to be a regional hub for logistical shipping, also bringing in new jobs for the local community.
Doña Ana County commissioner Shannon Reynold stated, “that with the kind of support they have [experienced], the Santa Teresa port of entry has the potential to become the busiest border crossing on the United States-Mexico border.” Tens of billions of dollars are valued in activity Heinrich predicts will be taking place at this port of entry. And with these activities and growth for the county, the State of New Mexico will be receiving an expected $355 million over five years for the improvement of water infrastructure.