On Monday, June 28th city officials and dignitaries gathered at the airport for a dedication ceremony to celebrate a new self-serve fueling facility, an addition that is expected to bring more air traffic to Benson.
Funding came through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, which was administered by Arizona G&T Cooperatives. Benson airport’s new self-fuel facility received two REDL&G loans for a total of $360,000 to help pay for the project’s construction.
The Benson fuel farm will create direct and indirect jobs as well as a revenue stream for the city of Benson and the surrounding community.
Arizona’s Acting Director for Rural Development, Jeff Hays, addressed the group, noting that rural communities are the country’s anchor communities, he stressed the importance of supporting and fostering them through projects that help rural areas thrive.
Juan Ciscomani, Governor Doug Ducey’s senior advisor for regional and international affairs, also addressed the attendees.
“The main role that we have here today is representing southern Arizona to the governor,” he said. “And we are especially proud to represent the rural communities of southern Arizona. The governor frequently reminds people, there is life outside of Maricopa County,” he said. “We should also pay close attention to the success that our rural communities are having.” He said that rural communities are focused on getting things done.
Since opening in 1999, Benson Airport has seen many improvements, enhancements and moderate growth. Starting with the landing strip the airport now offers taxiways, lighting, navigational aids, an automated weather reporting system, private hangars, an aircraft parking apron, wireless display technology and now a self-serve fuel facility to this list.
