Abilene Airport board backs presenting $70 million terminal renovation to council, offers phased option

The Abilene Airport Development Board on a regular meeting moved to send a terminal renovation recommendation to City Council after hearing detailed plans and cost estimates from staff and the airport architect.

Board members were presented with renderings and a three‑phase plan developed with Park Hill architects that would replace aging systems, expand the boarding area and modernize the terminal’s interior while adding elevators, improved restrooms, a nursing room and space for up to 200 seats. Park Hill’s estimate for the full project was $70 million, with staff saying a single‑phase delivery is the least costly option.

Board member Don (airport staff) described the project scope and timeline, saying the all‑in schedule for a single contract would approach three years from notice to proceed. “I think from the day we issued notice to proceed to the end, we would be approaching 3 years,” Don said. He told the board work could be phased to reduce immediate funding needs but warned phasing generally increases the overall cost.

Why it matters: The terminal was built in 1968 and several core building systems are at or beyond their useful lives. Staff said the boarding area seating and screening checkpoint are crowded for the current aircraft mix and passenger counts, and essential systems such as HVAC, fire alarm and access control are more than 23 years old and becoming difficult to maintain.

Key details and funding: Staff said Park Hill estimates the full renovation at about $70 million. A single critical first phase — expanding the boarding area and replacing associated HVAC and access control components — was costed at roughly $20 million. Staff noted eligibility for federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement grants and planned to apply for an Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant this summer; staff said a realistic ATP award target is $5 million. For FY25–FY26 FAA grants staff noted a temporarily reduced local match of 5% (rather than 10%), which staff estimated would save about $400,000 on their calculations. Staff emphasized the city must front project costs and would be reimbursed as grants are awarded over multiple fiscal years.

Board recommendation and next steps: After discussion the board voted to send the project and options to City Council at its upcoming retreat and requested that staff present both the full single‑contract option and a phased alternative so council can choose based on funding availability. The board’s motion asked that staff present the single‑contract recommendation while acknowledging a bond or phased approach may be necessary if council determines financing that way. The board authorized staff to take the presentation to City Council; staff will also provide the full renderings and background materials to council and the board.

Timing and construction impacts: Staff estimated a one‑year timeline for a single first phase (boarding area expansion) if pursued alone, and 24–36 months to complete all phases under a single contract. Staff said construction phasing and scheduling would be planned around daily operations and may require night work and temporary passenger routing to keep the airport open.

Quotes from the meeting: “Park Hill is estimated at $70,000,000,” Don said while reviewing the cost estimate. On timing, Don added, “I’m optimistic that February 17th is where we’re gonna be” when discussing related airfield work schedules tied to other projects.

What to watch: The board will present the recommendation at the City Council retreat next week. Staff plans to submit ATP and FAA grant applications and to provide council with cost breakdowns, funding scenarios and renderings. Any final decision on proceeding with a single contract or a phased plan will rest with City Council and on available funding.