[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6484782,"mediaKeyId","5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c","parentId",5577982,"title","Airport reports rising passenger loads and parking revenue; second exit lane restored after April cyberattack","audioSeconds",365,"startMs",49000,"endMs",414000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c&start=49&end=414","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c/thumbnail_49000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484782/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Airport-reports-rising-passenger-loads-and-parking-revenue-second-exit-lane-restored-after-April-cyberattack","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484782-28e5dddebd203556913e211965a56433/orig.mp4?Expires=1770402043&Signature=BqdpWX-s2r5YYm6coZLXx0Z1zGMHBto5mLU3bynU6U1E1sWWllRB3sAlJN1prJ9pY~qrIfQuNv-JPQomU7WLV8sb946dQqwtXRq8aF~q8E3Pswmwq3dMPi4-mZaznYIpP9Di2uw30D1Xk7IW5G7jGJFs6vpwPr4gOykCdIL2P4ISB54GyrbcCWMLj8MDguYQ8Dff8PJcDyHRjxlOoZ7LbTU1tH2e3zjHZAH8qVUJXlLAxVeB7HrmBrav~l3Yxzoa9wt-BSYMKR9VfV0-XmQKw2kH5euw2sp~zVruSj~Ljx0T-dYw9JgPLvuEgw2a0ugdFIlj6JZCeIumzCaFAllgkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-08-13T00:00:00Z","article","Airport management reported improving operational statistics and several ongoing projects during the Abilene Airport Development Board meeting.

Management said July achieved an 88% load factor for flights, up from 87% in June and 85% in May, and that passenger traffic metrics continue to climb. \"We continue to go up. Excellent news,\" Don (airport management) said, also citing year-to-date employment increases of about 14 percent over last year and parking-lot revenue up roughly 13.94 percent from the prior year.

Staff noted airfares remain high and that airlines' pricing strategies are limiting seat sales rather than airport pricing. \"This is not us. It's the airlines,\" a board member said regarding high fares; management said they are using public information and marketing to explain pricing dynamics.

Operational items and maintenance: managers reported normal escalator operation and only one baggage conveyor malfunctioning behind the ticket counters. Work on the air tanker ramp was described as progressing: utility relocation is complete, and grading and site preparation are underway.

Parking and cyber incident recovery: staff said the airport's second parking exit lane, which has been out of service since an April 18 cyberattack, was restored after coordination between airport staff and the city's IT department. \"Alex working with the city's IT department reestablished the second lane in our exit lane in our parking lot...Opened late Monday afternoon and has been working ever since,\" management said, adding the restoration has reduced long vehicle exit lines when flights arrive.

Staff also said a Request for Proposals is out for advertising sales, with proposals due to City Hall on Aug. 23, and that TSA PreCheck enrollment events had processed roughly 350 applications at a recent session.

Why it matters: The operational statistics indicate increased passenger activity and airport revenue streams. Restoring the parking exit lane improves passenger throughput and reduces congestion after an incident that disabled the lane in April.

No board action was required on these management items; staff answered board questions and moved to the agenda's formal action items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - Airport Development Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Airport management reported a July load factor of 88%, year-to-date employment up about 14% and parking revenue up roughly 13.94% year-over-year. Staff also said a second parking exit lane disabled after an April cyberattack was reconnected with city IT help in mid-August.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484787,"Board reviews updated Abilene terminal design; staff to issue CMAR RFQ and refine canopy, hold-room and service features",1799,2341000,4140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c&start=2341&end=4140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c/thumbnail_2341000.jpg","/articles/6484787/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Board-reviews-updated-Abilene-terminal-design-staff-to-issue-CMAR-RFQ-and-refine-canopy-hold-room-and-service-features","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484787-cd316b644edd401931c67717fcdd9a5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770402043&Signature=U7royIRDAfsdXEiZ3tIsW0D2RVXUQrIsThmOS7kWtPouOQlrWzeH8q6HVsjCC4arS0mts3saUoLFH36CdZT74s4nrjqrCedZ-q8v1CealF8EDRzHg3an5VdDQYRUECI89jpoDGNRq08UHvVrAPko5WbTbJWoE5WjrvaRT98g~~7g-UdjelexjffK7YhGdrvvNCwu4L9qM8Cfan-dNuP0scqQAo0q3zlrNr-BdiBskMjFmdnvFreSH9HvKr2rGjoOjaJ8-Ku5Lc-ABmwkd9gW1RPRsJlCCVOwKYu2q4sBzK7-YiivMKl03qAOKD-uz9Y7Z0kimKUGy59IF0KcegOIPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Airport Development Board reviewed updated designs for the airport terminal expansion and approved staff moving forward with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to participate in remaining design and constructability planning.

Colin (lead architect, Park Hill) walked the board through the updated footprint, describing a push toward increased hold-room capacity, reconfigured ticketing and baggage circulation and an expanded secure concourse. \"Everything comes back to the hold room and needing more space there,\" Colin said, explaining the plan shifts arrivals and circulation north to increase hold-room seating and operational flexibility.

Design features discussed included:

- Hold-room expansion with a target seating capacity for about 200 people (described as roughly \"2 planes plus\").
- Phased baggage-handling: management and the architect said a full baggage-handling system is intended but likely to be installed in a later construction phase to avoid duplicate work and expense.
- Curbside canopy coverage: the current plan covers a single curbside drop-off lane (one vehicle width), but several board members asked staff to explore extending canopy east and west to better protect passengers from rain and Texas heat. Management said the canopy as shown would fully cover the curbside drop-off lane and agreed to return pricing alternatives as a possible construction alternate.
- Vertical circulation changes: escalators will be removed and replaced with elevators and ramps; two elevator locations were discussed to provide redundancy and accessibility, with stairs retained for egress.
- Building systems: the design calls for replacement of aging mechanical systems (boilers and chillers) and required fire suppression. Management warned the hold-room expansion triggers building-code sprinkler requirements for the whole facility, which will add project cost and design coordination.
- Amenities: a dedicated business/VIP lounge and vending areas are planned. Board members discussed but did not commit to a full-service restaurant, noting service demand historically has not supported a full kitchen. Designers showed concepts for sheltered outdoor balconies overlooking the apron and said the design includes two family restrooms (management suggested one may be sufficient and proposes possibly reallocating space to enlarge the VIP lounge).
- Resilience features: staff proposed adding showers on the lower level for diverted passengers and staff during prolonged events and said the project will address access control, HVAC and communications room relocations.

Don (airport management) said staff will issue an RFQ for a CMAR from which a contractor will be selected to participate in the final design and to help plan phasing. \"This is a new process for the FAA...bringing a CMAR on,\" he said, adding that a CMAR can aid constructability though it is not necessarily cheaper.

Board members provided feedback focused on practicality: several urged management to evaluate extending the drop-off canopy to reduce passenger exposure to inclement weather and West Texas heat; others recommended preserving seating capacity over decorative features if budget cuts are later required.

Why it matters: The terminal redesign is the central capital project for the airport in coming years. Its phasing, contractor selection method and scope (including required sprinklers and upgraded HVAC) will shape project cost and timing and are tied to FAA grant funding the board recommended earlier in the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the CMAR RFQ, pursue cost options for canopy extensions and finalize design phasing with Park Hill and the selected CMAR; the board will review contract and procurement decisions in future meetings.","Architects and airport staff presented updated terminal expansion plans, covering hold-room capacity, phased baggage handling, canopy coverage, elevators, sprinklers and possible amenity space. The board asked staff to explore extended curbside canopy and noted the project will use a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) procurement strategy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484791,"Board backs recommendation to buy new aircraft-rescue firefighting truck; cheapest bidder depends on FAA prepay approval",1161,1156000,2317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c&start=1156&end=2317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c/thumbnail_1156000.jpg","/articles/6484791/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Board-backs-recommendation-to-buy-new-aircraft-rescue-firefighting-truck-cheapest-bidder-depends-on-FAA-prepay-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484791-7e9725ffdb3c8d3f0e2e7dfd219ac307/orig.mp4?Expires=1770402043&Signature=XguVeRZOUsn9V5vo8MJ~GtVjy37tRrk85gqiAkRO0H7KKDX2kjj6g-lm4AoGeAx36eozdnUTkHShmspH3qWnEqhZ2Q8OvkdYS5Ia0o5OLDHw5vrcv2GAOTGvMF5HIRJes0frnBn3PcHFyl5ctqKnYQBFWOWy0FfGtU8H0XGtSSKJgQYNw1Md5gclWCvOAQ7x8tWgsuZ01ZHzm-Z7KdHXEchCN2M7wbcLrcC~AG7yB7ToEqNIDSMMCR5mSAPL7U~jNiJiY0AGTd8r3i2nrMwYdP86sH8B3KhWnAdZjllJ5usBkCjV1vXBCuwzQbgmXfjzrsGutHaDMvr9nt4IamCRGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Airport Development Board recommended that City Council approve the purchase of an Index B aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, with board members approving staff's motion after a lengthy discussion of bids, options and procurement constraints.

Airport management told the board the purchase replaces a 2002 model and meets regulatory coverage requirements based on aircraft size that serve Abilene. Management said the city received two sealed bids: Oshkosh and Rosenbauer. Management read base numbers and optional equipment pricing into the record and said the key variable is whether FAA will provide written approval to allow a vendor prepayment discount.

Management described the two scenarios presented to the board: if FAA provides written approval allowing a prepaid-purchase discount, Rosenbauer's discounted net price would be $958,113; if FAA does not provide that written approval the city would proceed with Oshkosh, which including the selected underbelly turret option was presented at $1,032,354. Management said both bids included pricing for an underbelly nozzle option (designed to extinguish fuel flowing underneath the vehicle) and included payment-and-performance bonds in the sealed-bid price.

Don (airport management) said the airport sought prepayment to secure a long lead-time build slot and that FAA had verbally said prepayment could be allowed but that the FAA's written confirmation was pending. \"FAA has verbally said, yes you can do this...they have never run across that in their 20 years of working in AIP grant world,\" he said, adding that staff would have written FAA confirmation before taking the purchase request to City Council.

Board members raised concerns about introducing a new vehicle brand into the fleet and the longer-term costs and parts availability for Rosenbauer versus Oshkosh. One board member noted potential future service and parts complexities if a new brand is introduced, and management replied they had discussed compatibility and serviceability with the Abilene Fire Department but that procurement rules for sealed bids meant award must be made on price and the bid package terms.

The board moved to recommend approval of the purchase as presented (either award to Rosenbauer if FAA confirms prepay discount in writing, or to Oshkosh if not). The motion passed with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: ARFF trucks are required safety equipment for commercial service airports. The purchase will be funded in part with the FY25 FAA AIP entitlement grant that the board recommended earlier in the meeting, and staff said securing a delivery slot and payment terms is time sensitive because of long industry lead times.

Next steps: Staff expects to take the recommendation and the confirmed FAA position on prepayment to City Council on Aug. 28 for final action. If FAA approval is not received the award will be made to the low sealed bid as required by procurement rules.

","The board recommended approval of an Index B aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) truck. Two sealed bids were received; with a vendor prepayment discount and pending FAA written approval the low price would be $958,113 from Rosenbauer, otherwise Oshkosh's low sealed bid including options is $1,032,354.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484796,"Abilene board recommends city accept $2.46 million FAA FY25 AIP entitlement grant",382,764000,1146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c&start=764&end=1146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5577982-022e59bc4e6bd0bd60d28cd20e39035c/thumbnail_764000.jpg","/articles/6484796/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-board-recommends-city-accept-246-million-FAA-FY25-AIP-entitlement-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484796-c426645ba1d16407bba2f5eaabf8dd84/orig.mp4?Expires=1770402043&Signature=hgohr3an-iEAzWuxcN5GkdoU0Juu35E8DnbvnrBWLVbtfMm44EFNkXgE6548AulRKE9WcOA-t4M6LRBDLTMppfPjCAI-c~Sgg0971rYAbn81SE4Jb~SD4vfCym1Vl6l9T3D1OdHuYGfFfGjBMXVAFkC-qz-~4JNJWaziwA9jcG4hKPhvS1bgwwPUM0fS9D0gjCuLUsUeL6uFDgEegWG666zsM9cJeGAB3ZBMmdu5j~2i4d8sNFLlD9nBG90LiYzYtzcotxAjuP6OKbD2KuwT4RP2oZHXHR98Uk97GBOKOCJBnNiIKAwCm3sUzU5xxo4T4ZDA-t97sBbOgHdMVAZhjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Airport Development Board voted to recommend that City Council accept a Federal Aviation Administration FY25 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement grant totaling $2,463,724, board members said during an Aug. meeting.

Airport management said the grant combines the airport's FY24 entitlement that was not previously used with the FY25 allotment and carries a city match of 5 percent, or $129,670. Don (airport management) described the award as formula-based, tied to enplanements, and therefore predictable for planning: \"The entitlement portion of that means that that is a formula based grant and it's based on our passenger enplanements from 2 years prior,\" he said.

The board was told the grant would fund several near-term items, including reimbursement for a capital implementation services contract with Cutchins & Grow, a required pavement condition study for the runways (estimated $10,800), design work on the terminal expansion (an earlier Park Hill amendment), and part of the cost of an aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) truck that the board also recommended for purchase. Management said some grant funds will remain and would be reprogrammed into the terminal construction budget when appropriate.

The FY25 allotment reflects a temporary change in federal match rules: Congress's recent FAA reauthorization reduced the required local match for smaller airports from 10 percent to 5 percent for FY25 and FY26, management said. The board was told the change made timing advantageous given the airport's planned terminal work.

Board member (unnamed) made a motion to recommend acceptance of the grant; the board voted in favor with no recorded opposition and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The AIP entitlement funds are a primary, predictable source of federal capital funding for airport projects tied to passenger activity. Management said securing the grant now positions the city to sign and accept an eventual FAA award quickly when it arrives, avoiding the administrative rush that sometimes follows FAA notifications.

The recommendation goes next to Abilene City Council for final acceptance should the council follow the board's recommendation.

Notes: The board discussion included a description of how the grant will reimburse a $90,000 contract with Cutchins & Grow for capital implementation services and noted a November deadline to complete the FAA-required pavement study. Management said the exact amount left over after programmed items is not yet known and will be reprogrammed in future AIP cycles as needed.

","The Airport Development Board voted to recommend that City Council accept the Federal Aviation Administration FY25 Airport Improvement Program entitlement grant, combining an FY24 carryover and FY25 funds totaling $2,463,724 with a 5% local match.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Airport reports rising passenger loads and parking revenue; second exit lane restored after April cyberattack

Board reviews updated Abilene terminal design; staff to issue CMAR RFQ and refine canopy, hold-room and service features

Board backs recommendation to buy new aircraft-rescue firefighting truck; cheapest bidder depends on FAA prepay approval

Abilene board recommends city accept $2.46 million FAA FY25 AIP entitlement grant