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Athens updates industrial park and airport planning; TWDB wastewater funding discussed
Summary
Staff reported a three-phase Industrial Park plan, ongoing workforce partnerships, progress on an airport layout RFQ and potential $18.6 million TWDB wastewater financing; council heard updates and asked staff to return with maps and plans.
City staff on Oct. 27 briefed the Athens City Council on economic development and capital planning work, including a multi‑phase Industrial Park concept, workforce partnerships, the airport layout RFQ process and potential Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) wastewater funding.
Community Development Manager Donna Meredith said LJA presented a three‑phase plan for the Industrial Park. Staff continue to pursue workforce development partnerships with East Texas Workforce Solutions, Trinity Valley Community College and the Athens Independent School District, and the city will continue a contract with Site Location Partnership for FY2026 to recruit relocating companies.
City Manager Elizabeth Borstad outlined next steps on an airport layout plan RFQ: the panel compiled rankings and staff will enter negotiations with the recommended engineering firm before submitting contract details to TxDOT to secure IIJA grant funding for the project. Borstad also reported TWDB wastewater treatment improvements were discussed with an $18.6 million issuance mentioned; staff said they may choose to issue less now and reapply in February to improve the project’s ranking. A drainage scoping project that studies channels inside the city limits is roughly 80% complete.
Council took no action in executive session on two closed items (a real property parcel on Hwy 175W and a matter identified as Cardinal Estates). Councilmembers made two brief future-agenda requests related to the Fisher Estate and initial planning for a new city hall.
