Abilene explores $50–70M terminal upgrade; council favors bond vote in May

City staff and airport consultants presented a concept design for a major expansion and modernization of Abilene Regional Airport’s terminal, with estimated full‑build costs in the neighborhood of $50–70 million depending on scope and value engineering.

Design and rationale: Architects proposed expanding the boarding/hold room area by roughly 5,000 square feet, re‑locating the security checkpoint into the present ticket lobby to free upper‑level space and adding a visible glass elevator, larger restrooms, a nursing room and a multi‑use business/VIP area to seat up to 200 passengers. The exterior concept emphasizes increased glazing, shading louvers, a third traffic lane at the upper drive and a balcony overlooking the ramp for passenger use. The designs also call for replacement of aging HVAC, a new fire‑sprinkler and fire‑alarm system, modernized access control and replacement/refurbishment of escalators/elevator equipment.

Funding and timing: Airport staff explained the airport plans to pursue FAA Airport Improvement Program entitlement and discretionary grants, the Department of Transportation terminal grants (ATP) and WIFIA/WATER programs where eligible. Staff estimated the city share could be in the range of $20 million if grants cover the remainder; splitting the project into phases would raise overall cost and reduce grant competitiveness. The airport’s preferred path is a single‑phase build with a target to apply for ATP in the current cycle; that timeline makes a May bond election preferable to demonstrate city commitment to grantors. Council members expressed a preference for a single ballot measure in May and directed staff to bring an item for formal council consideration of a ballot placement.

Council discussion and next steps: Councilors asked for clearer value engineering choices and a staged cost plan that preserves the most critical functionality (expanded boarding area, HVAC, access control, restrooms) while deferring less essential aesthetic elements. Staff will return with a more detailed, priced scope and a proposed ballot question. No formal vote was taken at the workshop. If approved on a May ballot the project would proceed to design, secure grants and begin construction in a schedule that the airport estimated at roughly two years from contract award for a single‑phase build.