The City of Phoenix is preparing to roll out a series of public safety and infrastructure projects after securing more than $9.5 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026.
The allocation, awarded through Congressionally Directed Spending, will support improvements spanning aviation operations, fire response capabilities, first responder wellness and law enforcement technology. City officials say the funding reflects continued collaboration between municipal leaders and Arizona’s congressional delegation.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, $250,000 will help expand apron space following the demolition of an obsolete TRACON facility. By increasing aircraft maneuvering and parking capacity, the city aims to improve operational flow and efficiency at one of the nation’s busiest airports. The airport funding was supported by Yassamin Ansari and Greg Stanton.
The Phoenix Fire Department will receive $800,000 for specialized equipment designed to handle electric-vehicle battery fires — an increasingly complex hazard as EV ownership rises. The heavy-duty machinery will allow firefighters to safely isolate and remove burning vehicles from enclosed spaces such as garages and parking structures, reducing structural damage and improving responder safety.
Another $2.175 million will fund the purchase of a Type 3 wildland fire engine and two ambulances assigned to South Phoenix. The brush engine will strengthen the city’s ability to combat fires in rugged desert terrain, while the additional ambulances are intended to ease strain on an EMS system facing high demand and longer transport distances.
First responder wellness is also a key focus of the package. A $1.5 million investment will renovate the Fire Member Services Building, expanding counseling, mental health support and reintegration services for both active and retired personnel. That funding was championed by Abe Hamadeh.
In Ahwatukee, $850,000 will go toward upgrades at Fire Stations 46 and 38, including dormitory improvements and ADA-compliance enhancements aimed at improving firefighter health and living conditions.
The Phoenix Police Department will also see significant investment. A $1.9 million allocation will fund a high-fidelity flight simulator for the department’s Air Support Unit, allowing pilots to train under realistic scenarios without relying exclusively on helicopter flight hours. Officials say the simulator will enhance readiness while reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
An additional $2.062 million will support expanded technology at the city’s Real-Time Crime Center. New cameras and license plate readers will feed live data directly into the center, strengthening situational awareness for officers in the field.
City leaders say the combined funding package positions Phoenix to meet the needs of its growing population while reinforcing critical infrastructure and frontline services. With projects focused on safety, efficiency and long-term resilience, officials describe the federal support as a meaningful investment in the city’s future.
