KINGMAN, Ariz. – The City of Kingman and Mohave County officials recently welcomed U.S. Senator Mark Kelly’s Deputy Legislative Director Joe Russell and Northern Arizona Director Coral Evans for a tour and discussion focused on Kingman’s continued economic development, infrastructure, and regional opportunities.
The visit brought together Mayor Ken Watkins, Councilmembers Jim Dykens, Keith Walker and Smiley Ward, Mohave County Supervisors Travis Lingenfelter and Rich Lettman, along with City and County leadership and economic development staff.
Discussions centered on the future of the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park, regional aviation opportunities, ongoing infrastructure investments, and Kingman’s role in the I-40 TradePort Corridor. With its strategic location along Interstate 40 and access to both rail and aviation infrastructure, Kingman continues to serve as an important manufacturing and logistics hub in northwestern Arizona.
Another economic development opportunity discussed during the visit was Mohave County’s application for a Foreign Trade Zone designation that would include the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park. Foreign Trade Zones allow qualifying businesses to store or process imported goods under special customs procedures, including deferring duties until goods enter the U.S. market and, in some cases, reducing or eliminating duties. For Kingman and Mohave County, the designation could provide another tool to attract and retain manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses involved in international trade.
During the visit, the group toured the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park and discussed current development, future growth opportunities, and efforts to continue attracting new businesses and jobs to the area. The group also visited Mohave College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Makerspace and CROWN’s forklift manufacturing operation, highlighting the connection between workforce development and Kingman’s growing manufacturing sector.
The visit concluded with a look at the new Flying Fortress Parkway interchange, which is scheduled to open in October. The long-planned project will improve access to the airport and industrial park and support continued development for the area.
