Phoenix mayor announces new Sky Harbor airport terminal, Amazon drone delivery
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted innovation and technology on Tuesday in her annual State of the City address Tuesday.
Cutting-edge, revolutionary and innovative are all terms that Gallego used as she described major projects in the works.
She said metro Phoenix will become the first large city globally to offer drone delivery services through Amazon Prime Air, which will debut in parts of west Phoenix later this year.
She mentioned new nonstop flights to Paris, set to debut in May, and announced an additional major upgrade coming to Sky Harbor Airport.
“I’m proud to share that next month, the City Council and I will get to work on a cutting-edge terminal at Sky Harbor’s west end,” Gallego announced. “It will be beautiful, with net zero greenhouse gas emissions and equipped with a new customs facility that will help us welcome even more people from all over the world.”
The city’s efforts are not just limited to the sky. Gallego pointed out that Phoenix also boasts the world’s largest autonomous vehicle zone, and is home to the global operations center for autonomous vehicle company Cruise.
Gallego also addressed some long-standing concerns, such as homelessness and water resources.
“Let me be clear,” Gallego said. “Phoenix is not running out of water. We’re conserving better than ever, and we’re working to create a new supply. Last year, I told you about my plan to build a multibillion-dollar, state-of-the-art advanced water treatment facility that will recycle 60 million gallons per day.”
Gallego said Phoenix has made progress in addressing housing affordability but urged other cities to help address the regional issue. She said Phoenix has already reached 80% of its goal to preserve or create 50,000 homes by 2030.
