During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments in local economic initiatives, including the construction of a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facility and the expansion of a long-haul trucking company.

Haven Aero is set to construct a 12,500 square foot hangar at the airport, with an investment of approximately $8.5 million. The company will lease the land for 40 years, generating an estimated $2.5 million in payments to the city. This project is expected to create around 20 jobs, with salaries ranging from $55,000 to $57,000 annually. Additionally, the city will receive a percentage of fuel sales from the FBO, projected at about 6 cents per gallon. Approval for this project is anticipated at the upcoming meeting on July 23, where a job creation incentive of $10,000 per job, totaling $200,000 over ten years, will be proposed.

Another key topic was the introduction of Endres Express, a Wisconsin-based trucking company specializing in cheese transport. The company plans to purchase 17.43 acres of land from the city for $550,000, with plans to invest between $10 million and $12 million in cold storage facilities. Although no incentives will be provided, the city will benefit from infrastructure improvements, including road extensions and utility installations.

The meeting also addressed the Thrive Scholarship Program, which has been successful since its inception in 2018. The program allows high school graduates from Amarillo ISD to attend Amarillo College for up to 60 hours at no cost. As the program nears its expiration at the end of July, discussions are underway to extend it for an additional three years, with each partner contributing 25% of the funding, estimated at $500,000 per year.

These initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth and educational opportunities for its residents.