Photo: Pictured left to right: City Manager Tim Walsh, Economic Development Director Bennett Bratley, Assistant City Manager Tina Moline, Councilmember Shawn Savage, Councilmember Keith Walker, Congressman Paul Gosar’s District Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Penny Pew, Vice Mayor Cherish Sammeli, Mayor Ken Watkins, Congressman Paul Gosar and Interim Public Works Director Jack Plaunty)
KINGMAN – On Wednesday, Mayor Ken Watkins, Vice Mayor Cherish Sammeli, Councilmembers Shawn Savage and Keith Walker, along with City Manager Tim Walsh and other staff from the City’s leadership team, hosted U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar for a comprehensive tour of key development sites in Kingman.
The visit centered on the City’s proposed release of land at the Kingman Airport for industrial development. City officials provided an overview of the long-pending request for approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is required before the land can be made available for commercial or industrial use. This approval would enable significant growth in job creation, regional development, and economic prosperity for Kingman.
“Due to deed restrictions, the City must receive FAA approval before the land can be made available for commercial or industrial development,” explained Mayor Watkins. “This land release is a vital step for Kingman, unlocking future opportunities that will foster our economic growth.”
As part of the tour, city officials took Congressman Gosar to the new Flying Fortress I-40 interchange that is currently being constructed to outline its significance to the airport and industrial park. Improved access through this interchange is expected to strengthen Kingman’s position as a hub for business and transportation.
The visit also included a stop at the Mohave College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, a major investment in Kingman’s workforce. The facility offers training in electrical and mechanical systems, robotic welding, and crane operation, including a five-ton overhead crane similar to those used in many local manufacturing plants. This state-of-the-art center is designed to meet the needs of local employers and prepare residents for high-demand jobs in the industrial sector.
Congressman Gosar expressed strong support for the City’s efforts, committing to assist with the land release process and other initiatives aimed at strengthening Kingman’s economic future.
