Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators

4.I
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/21/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.I. FIN - Fiscal Year
2027 Congressional Directed Spending:
Temporary Airport Tower Application
DATE PREPARED: 04/20/26
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the
Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark
Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a temporary airport tower at the Buckeye Municipal
Airport, with federal funds of $1,350,000, and a local match of $150,000; and authorize and direct the
Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution
and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
Innovative and High Performing Organizations
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Buckeye seeks to address the safety concerns at the Airport by submitting a grant application
that entails installing an ACT. Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and is
emerging as a major economic development hub within the Phoenix Metroplex. The Airport does not
currently have a control tower and has experienced significant increases in aircraft activity, with
operational levels now comparable to many Arizona airports that already receive air traffic control
services. Additionally, the Airport has been accepted into the Federal Contract Tower Program,
demonstrating a federal determination of need. However, the timeline to complete Federal Contract
Tower siting, environmental clearance, and construction of a permanent tower is estimated at six to eight
years. While the City intends to pursue a permanent tower, the FAA has indicated that controller funding
cannot be supported until a facility is in place.
BENEFITS:
The proposed and requested ACT offers an immediate and practical approach to maintaining safe and
efficient operations during the interim period until Buckeye can construct a permanent tower. The ACT
will help prevent costly accidents and emergency response impacts until a permanent solution is
advanced.
FUTURE ACTION:
If awarded, the award will be brought to Council to provide authority to approve and execute, as well as
budgetary authority. 
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:

The Federal grant portion is $1,350,000, with a $150,000 match from the City of Buckeye, if awarded.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
The total fiscal year 2027 cost is $1,500,000, of which $1,350,000 is reimbursable under the budget.
BUDGETED:
No
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
CAR Recap Summary Temporary Airport Tower.docx
Airport Tower App Submitted 3.19.26.pdf