Phoenix Secures More Than $9.5 Million in Federal Funding for Key Community Improvements

The City of Phoenix will advance a wide range of public‑safety and infrastructure improvements after securing more than $9.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for fiscal year 2026. The funding, part of a broader federal appropriations package, supports airport modernization, emergency response enhancements, and wellness resources for first responders.

A portion of the funding, $250,000, will advance improvements at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where the City plans to expand existing apron space after removing an abandoned TRACON building that no longer serves operational purpose. Additional apron space improves aircraft movement and airfield efficiency. The project was supported by Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari and Congressman Greg Stanton.

Congresswoman Ansari also helped secure $800,000 for specialized machinery used to manage electric‑vehicle battery fires. As EVs become more common, the Phoenix Fire Department requires heavy‑duty equipment to isolate and remove burning vehicles from structures, streets, and parking garages, reducing damage and improving firefighter safety during these complex responses.

To strengthen wildfire and EMS response, the City will use $2,175,000 to acquire a Type 3 wildland engine and two new ambulances to serve South Phoenix. The enhancements, also backed by Ansari, expand the City’s ability to respond to brush fires in rugged terrain and alleviate strain on an overtaxed EMS fleet dealing with longer travel distances and high call volume. 

First responders will also benefit from $1,500,000 secured by Congressman Abe Hamadeh to renovate the Fire Member Services Building, which provides counseling, mental‑health programs, crisis support, and reintegration resources for active and retired public‑safety personnel. The renovated facility will expand access to these critical services.

In Ahwatukee, Congressman Stanton secured $850,000 for improvements at Fire Stations 46 and 38. The upgrades will modernize firefighter dormitories and ensure ADA compliance, addressing long‑standing sleep‑deprivation issues that impact firefighter health and overall wellness.

Hamadeh also championed $1,900,000 for a high‑fidelity flight simulator for the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit, allowing pilots to train under realistic conditions without relying on expensive, fuel‑intensive helicopter flights. This technology will increase pilot readiness while reducing fleet maintenance needs.

Rounding out the public‑safety investments, Congresswoman Ansari and Congressman Stanton jointly secured $2,062,000 for new field technology to enhance the Phoenix Real‑Time Crime Center. Additional cameras and license‑plate readers will stream live data directly into the center, giving officers improved real‑time awareness to support daily law‑enforcement operations. 

Acting Director of the Phoenix Office of Government Relations Ilse Borquez said the city’s close partnership with federal leaders continues to deliver meaningful benefits.

“Phoenix continues to deliver meaningful, community‑driven projects because our federal partners understand the real‑world impact these investments have on residents,” Borquez said. “This year’s funding strengthens public safety, supports our first responders, and moves forward critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit Phoenix for decades.”