KINGMAN – The City of Kingman is thrilled to announce its pivotal role in the transformative I-40 TradePort Corridor project, enhancing trade along Interstate 40 from California to New Mexico. On June 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded RAISE Grant funds to this project, marking a significant investment in new infrastructure for Kingman, Winslow, Arizona, and the Albuquerque area. This initiative will create regional clean energy fueling hubs driving economic growth and innovation.
Kingman’s Mayor Watkins, commented, “We are already seeing an uptick in developer interest in Kingman.”
For Kingman, this development means a surge of business opportunities and an expanded role in the national supply chain. The project will establish advanced fueling stations for hydrogen- and electric-powered shipping vehicles, and Kingman’s proximity to railways will facilitate multimodal goods transportation, positioning it as an environmentally conscious logistics hub.
The coalition secured $15 million in RAISE Grant funds, with a portion allocated to drafting engineering plans for the Truck Mobility Complex in Kingman, one of three planned along the 805-mile stretch of I-40. These efforts will focus on enhancing the supply chain system through improved connectivity, access, and clean energy technologies.
Kingman’s Vice Mayor Sammeli emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “The I-40 TradePort Corridor is more than just a transportation project; it’s a blueprint for future economic resilience and growth.” This initiative ensures that Kingman plays a crucial role in the evolving supply chain, adapting to technological advancements and climate change.
Federal support includes $15 million for planning, environmental site assessments, and road and rail engineering. Bernalillo County, New Mexico, as the lead agency, applied for the grant on behalf of Kingman and is responsible for fund reporting and disbursement. They will apply for construction phase funding in the next round of RAISE Grant applications.
“With more planning dollars in hand, I40TPC’s focus is now on securing further implementation grant funding,” said Carolyn Tobias, the Economic Development Manager from Bernalillo County, New Mexico. She added that the County hopes to hear back on several federal grants in the next 60 days and has partnered with various state agencies.
Kingman’s involvement in the I-40 TradePort Corridor ensures it is not merely a transit point but a vibrant economic center where goods are processed and value-added, significantly contributing to the local economy. The city eagerly anticipates the numerous opportunities this project will bring, reinforcing its role as a key player in the national infrastructure network.
“These are exciting times. Kingman is on the brink of significant economic growth, which should attract the retail our community desires,” says City of Kingman’s Economic Development Project Manager, Terri Curtis.
For additional information or questions about the I-40 TradePort Corridor Project, please contact Terri Curtis, Economic Development Project Manager at 928-565-1259 or tcurtis@cityofkingman.gov.
