KINGMAN – Mayor Ken Watkins, Vice Mayor Cherish Sammeli, City Manager Tim Walsh, and Assistant City Manager Tina Moline recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal agency officials and members of Congress to advocate for key City of Kingman priorities. The trip focused on the proposed release of land at the Kingman Airport to allow for industrial development, as well as securing federal grant funding for essential water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
The city delegation held strategic meetings with U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and Representatives Paul Gosar and Greg Stanton. In addition to discussing infrastructure grant opportunities, a significant portion of the conversation centered around the long-pending request for the release of airport land currently held by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The proposed land release is a critical step in unlocking future development at the Kingman Airport and surrounding industrial park. It would pave the way for expanded economic opportunities, job creation, and regional growth. “Due to deed restrictions, the City must receive FAA approval before the land can be made available for commercial or industrial development,” Mayor Watkins stated. To that end, the Kingman team met with FAA Southwest Regional Manager, Ignacio Flores, to directly discuss the land release proposal.
City Manager Tim Walsh characterized the trip as a valuable opportunity to move Kingman’s priorities forward. “Our conversations were productive, and I believe there’s a clear understanding in D.C. of how important this land release is not just for Kingman, but for regional development in northwest Arizona,” said Walsh. “We also emphasized the urgent need for federal investment in water and sewer infrastructure to support our growing community.”
The City of Kingman will continue working closely with federal partners and Congressional representatives to ensure local priorities are heard and supported.
