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County hears plan to expand Nueces County Airport runway and boost economic output
Summary
Consultants told commissioners the county airport could increase economic output significantly with runway extension (target 5,000to 7,000 feet), improved access to I-69E, jet fuel availability and hangar capacity; the court discussed DOD readiness training participation and potential grant funding paths.
A consultant for the Nueces County Airport presented Feb. 26 on opportunities to develop the airport as an economic engine, focusing on runway extension, improved access and fuel/hangar infrastructure.
Drew Coats explained that the airport currently has a 3,710-foot asphalt runway and estimated the airport's documented economic output (per TxDOT 2018) at $1.4 million. He compared nearby airports with larger outputs (e.g., Ingleside at $17.9M, Victoria Regional at $42.3M, Conroe Regional at $136M) and said runway length, direct access to I-69E, jet fuel availability and additional hangars are major determinants of growth. "5,000 feet would be much better than 3,700 feet now. 6,000 would be great. 7,000 would be terrific," the consultant said.
Commissioner Gonzales and others discussed a possible Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) construction partnership to provide labor and technical support for runway construction; Gonzales reported that DOD engineer units were scheduled to visit in March to assess runway work. The court discussed leveraging FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, TxDOT Aviation support, DOD IRT, and publicprivate partners to minimize county fiscal exposure.
Commissioners asked staff to develop a detailed plan and cost estimates, including an access road from I-69E, and to return with a proposed implementation schedule and potential grants.
