Roswell airport readies air-race infrastructure; city cites $8.0 million month and $60–80 million expected economic boost

Roswell’s airport and advisory commission told the City Council on May 8 that multiple airfield projects are underway or out for bid and that the city is preparing for the national air races, which staff expect will produce significant short-term tourism and longer-term economic benefits.

Airport manager Kathleen (Katie) Thompson reported monthly revenue of $8,000,817.17 and said the figure included a major insurance settlement tied to a terminal fire last year: “We got the insurance settlement of that, which accounted for over 7,000,000, but we still had 1,200,000.0 in actual income revenue,” Thompson said.

Why this matters: City staff told the council the air races will sharply increase airport activity in the short term and that some investments now — lighting, apron rehab and taxiway repair — are intended both to support the event and to provide longer-term reliability for airport operations.

Key projects and timelines

- Airfield lighting and electrical vault: The advisory commission said a three-year lighting and wiring project continues. Bids for a new electrical vault, intended to improve reliability for runway lighting, were delayed but expected within weeks. Completion of the vault is projected for August or September, allowing a roughly 60-day build time.

- Apron rehabilitation and Taxiway Charlie: The apron rehabilitation in front of the terminal was expected to receive a notice to proceed soon and is planned as a 60-day concrete rehab. Taxiway Charlie repairs — to fix asphalt damage from heavy aircraft parked during COVID — are in final review; staff said state grant money is anticipated and estimated the taxiway repair at about $1.8 million to $2.0 million.

- Terminal repairs and restrooms: Restroom renovations tied to repairs from last August’s terminal flood have received bids; Thompson said restroom work is anticipated to be completed by Sept. 1, ahead of the races.

- Southeast waterline and security: The council heard that bids were accepted for a Southeast waterline and sewer installation, and the air center now has 24/7 security coverage.

- Capital plan: The airport advisory report outlined a five-year capital improvement plan that exceeds $45 million in estimated projects; staff said most of the funding is expected from federal and state sources.

Economic impact and operational preparations

Airport staff projected the air races could bring an estimated $60 million to $80 million in economic impact and a short-term influx of visitors, including up to tens of thousands of spectators over event days. “We are estimating the economic impact between 60 and $80,000,000,” Thompson said.

Staff said they are preparing RV hookups, electric pedestals, additional gates and drainage improvements to accommodate attendees and to keep regular airport operations functional during the events. They also said a pylon race school is scheduled to start on the 18th of the month and that airport tenants and staff have increased activity in recent weeks.

Questions and next steps

Councilors asked about project timing and funding; the airport advisory commission said most projects have grant prospects and that some work has been accelerated to secure state or federal funds. The council also approved several airport advisory commission appointments on the consent agenda.

Ending

Airport staff said they will return with more detailed schedules and funding updates as bids and grant awards are finalized. The council was asked to expect additional deadlines tied to FAA approvals and state grant cycles.