March 21, 2022

Congressman Castro Touts Infrastructure, Recovery Funding in Visit to San Antonio International Airport

SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) visited San Antonio International Airport to highlight funding he secured to protect airport jobs during the pandemic, support safe air travel, and expand airport operations to bring more tourism and business to San Antonio. 

During the visit, Congressman Castro received a briefing on the airport’s use of federal funding to improve passenger services and expand operations. He also visited the airport’s USO Center to thank volunteers for their commitment to traveling servicemembers and their families.

Congressman Castro delivering remarks at San Antonio International Airport.

“For years, San Antonio’s leaders have been talking about the difference that federal investments in the airport would make for our city. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that moment is finally here,” said Congressman Castro. “Over the last two years, I’ve fought for much-needed pandemic relief funding to keep airport workers on the job and protect travelers. As we rebuild from the pandemic, new funding from the infrastructure law will make it possible to expand our airport, create jobs, and bring in business and travelers from across the world.”

“We would like to thank Congressman Castro and his fellow representatives for all of their support to ensure that San Antonio International Airport received the federal funding needed to expand and enhance our airport,” said Jesus H. Saenz, Jr., Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System. “This funding is essential and vital to the future of our overall operation”.

In November 2021, Congressman Castro voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan infrastructure law that will provide approximately $1.2 billion in infrastructure funding for Texas airports over the next five years. San Antonio International Airport will receive $11,697,389 this year, with more money coming over the next five years.

Airport funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will address a variety of needs, including terminal development and noise reduction projects and improvements to runways, taxiways, and airport-owned towers. In addition, $5 billion in discretionary funding is available over five years for airport terminal development projects that address aging airport infrastructure, including projects that expand accessibility for people with disabilities, improve access for historically disadvantaged populations, strengthen energy efficiency, and advance passenger safety.

In response to the pandemic, Congressman Castro secured more than $75 million in federal funding for San Antonio International Airport through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. The funding has supported continued operations, replaced lost revenue, provided rent relief to terminal concessions, and helped on-site small businesses keep workers on the job.