The taxiway at the Moriarty Municipal Airport will be widened with help from a $389,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The taxiway at the Moriarty Municipal Airport will be widened with help from a $389,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman announced the allocation last week, along with funding to Questa Municipal Airport and the Albuquerque International Sunport.

Moriarty's funding will be used to widen the existing taxiway. The addition will allow for greater efficiency in landing and take-off operations at the airport, which will provide easier access for aircraft to refuel, according to a press release issued by Bingaman's office. The construction will also include a staging area for sail planes or gliders, the release states.

The Moriarty City Council approved going out to bid for construction of the project at its regular meeting Tuesday . Construction is expected to start and finish this fall, according to Airport Manager Geri Salazar.

"We've been applying for this funding for a long time," she said. "The purpose was for safety with so much glider activity. Widening it will give them more room, so it's a safer operation."

The project funding totals $408,823, which includes $9,733 from the state and $9,733 for the city's match.

This will provide a safer and more organized area for the takeoff and landing of sail planes, according to Mayor Ted Hart.

"Moriarty's airport continues to grow and is an important part of our economics," Hart said. "This project is another step in providing a quality airport, leading to the cross wind runway in the future."

Bingaman also praised the funding allocation and agreed that safety is priority in New Mexico airports.

"I'm glad FAA is investing in New Mexico airports," he said in the news release. "To ensure that they remain safe and efficient."