Council accepts $2.9 million runway reconstruction grant; city share $145,000

The Big Spring City Council unanimously voted to accept a Texas Department of Transportation grant that will fund the design, bidding and reconstruction of Runway 06/24 at McMahon Winkle Airport.

Airport staff said engineers estimate the total project cost at $2.9 million; the state grant covers a 95.5 percent cost share, leaving the city responsible for about $145,000 to be paid from airport (airpark) funds. City staff said the grant and the required budget amendment are necessary because the city does not budget for grants until they are received.

Airport staff described the project as reconstruction rather than a shorter-term rehabilitation. The reconstruction approach, the staff member said, will “munch up” the existing subbase and rebuild the runway ground‑up, rather than placing an asphalt overlay that could suffer reflective cracking because of the surface condition. The engineer’s estimate for construction is about $2.5 million plus design fees bringing the total to $2.9 million, staff said.

Councilors moved and seconded acceptance of the grant and the ordinance to amend the airport fund budget to appropriate the city’s share; both measures passed unanimously on first reading at the meeting. No public opposition was recorded during the hearing.

Staff said the city’s $145,000 match will come from airpark mineral income and that staff will return with project details and scheduling as design work proceeds.