BELEN, N.M. (AP) The Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light on a new runway for Belen's Alexander Municipal Airport. The approval means the bidding process for construction can begin for the $4 million project.
Airport manager Robert Uecker says the runway is needed because the current runway can't be used when the wind blows in from the west. Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez of Belen says the runway will bring a much needed economic boost to Valencia County.
