When the federal government turned the former Williams Air Force Base over to the now Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA), it was an expansive 3,000-acre parcel largely removed from the major population centers of greater Phoenix. Much has changed in the past 25 years; and today Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is at the center of a thriving and rapidly-expanding Phoenix East Valley. More than 1.5 million people now live within a 20-minute drive from the once remote facility. As the airport has grown, so too has interest in developing the land surrounding it.

On March 21, 2017, PMGAA cleared another major development hurdle when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) or the Northeast Area Development Plan (NADP); clearing the way for future development of 700 acres of prime real estate adjacent to airport infrastructure and two growing highway systems.

“Unlocking the northeast side of the airport for development is great news for Gateway Airport and the East Valley,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles, current chair of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board. “The opportunity for high-wage job creation in this area will benefit the entire region and strengthens the airport's role as an economic driver.”

There are currently more than 50 companies located within the airport's boundaries, employing more than 2,500 people.

J. Brian O'Neill, A.A.E. executive director/CEO of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority added, “We would like to thank our partners at the FAA for their commitment to this important project and their continued support of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. We look forward to engaging both public and private sectors to transform this incredible asset.”

For more information, visit gatewayairport.com.