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Lufkin council approves up to $875,000 for new airport hangar to expand aviation maintenance jobs
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Summary
The council approved spending up to $875,000 to build a second hangar at Angelina County Airport. City staff said KC Aviation will contribute to an initial $1,000,000 project and commit further investment and hires over the next two years; the council voted to proceed.
The Lufkin City Council voted to authorize up to $875,000 in city funds for construction of a second aircraft hangar at Angelina County Airport, Economic Development Director Bob Sanford told the council after executive session.
Sanford said the project would pair the city's contribution — described to council as "not to exceed $875,000" — with private commitments that bring the initial project total to $1,000,000. "We'll put in not to exceed $875,000. They've already committed they'll put in another $125,000, so we'll bring the project to $1,000,000," Sanford said. He added KC Aviation has agreed to commit an additional $500,000 over the following two years.
The project is intended to expand local aviation maintenance and support services. Sanford said the partner company will move existing operations to the new hangar, "bring 10 people with them, and then hire an additional new 5 at the at the, in the second year." He described the positions as paying "in excess of $80,000 per person per year." Sanford also said the city previously built a $750,000 hangar leased to HCA Aviation and contributed $100,000 to install a tarmac that LEDC has exclusive rights to.
Sanford framed the hangar as a workforce and industry development step that the city will coordinate with Angelina College to develop training for aviation mechanics. "We're going to partner with Angelina College to develop a curriculum where we can, teach the young people how to work on aviation mechanics," he said.
After Sanford's presentation a council member moved to approve the expenditure, a second was called, and the mayor asked "All in favor, please say aye." The council vote was announced as "aye," with no opposition recorded; the motion carried.
Discussion points recorded in the meeting focused on the financing terms presented by Sanford and the city's role in creating space and training for aviation support businesses. No detailed contract or schedule was attached to the presentation at the meeting; Sanford described private and public commitments verbally and invited council questions and direction.
The council did not provide an implementation timetable in the public session; Sanford said KC Aviation would occupy the hangar when completed and outlined the company's staffing commitments. The city manager and economic development staff will carry follow-up actions to finalize terms, site details and construction schedule.
