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Lea County approves FAA-backed grant to replace runway lighting at regional airport
Summary
The Lea County Commission voted to approve a New Mexico Department of Transportation grant and FAA funding to replace aging incandescent runway lights with LED and to install new conduit and wiring at Lea County Regional Airport; the FAA will cover most of the $1.187 million construction cost, leaving the county with a small local share.
The Lea County Board of County Commissioners on April 9 approved a New Mexico Department of Transportation grant application and associated FAA funding to replace aging runway lighting at Lea County Regional Airport.
County staff told the commission the total construction cost is $1,187,000; the Federal Aviation Administration will fund $1,127,000 of that, leaving the county responsible for roughly $5,935 after other grant contributions. The project would replace incandescent fixtures with LED lights and replace the conduit and underground wiring using conduit rather than direct burial.
The airport presentation emphasized that the existing electrical system is aging and that the lighting replacement is the first step in a broader modernization effort. Commissioners moved and seconded approval, and the item carried in a recorded vote.
The resolution authorizes the county to accept the grant and proceed with the project; staff said the work is intended to improve safety and reduce future maintenance costs. The county will coordinate grant administration with the state and FAA as the project moves into design and construction.
Next steps include final grant paperwork and coordination with FAA grant requirements; staff did not provide an estimated construction start date at the meeting.
