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San Marcos hears airport master-plan update; consultants prioritize runway, fuel farm and terminal-protection site
Summary
Consultants presented a targeted update to the 2021 Airport Master Plan focused on strengthening and lengthening runway 17/35 for larger aircraft, siting a potential passenger terminal with SH-21 access, and replacing an aged fuel farm; most near-term projects are expected to be grant-eligible under a roughly 90/10 split.
The San Marcos City Council received an update Tuesday on a targeted refresh of the 2021 Airport Master Plan that focuses on preparing the field for larger aircraft, protecting a potential passenger-terminal site, and replacing an aging fuel farm.
Consultants from Texas Aviation Partners and Garver Engineering said they confirmed the 2021 airfield development concept remains the appropriate path. The update concentrates on a few priorities: lengthening and strengthening runway 17/35 to accommodate larger aircraft; identifying and protecting a preferred passenger-terminal location near the airport-management area with direct access to State Highway 21; and siting a new fuel farm and an electrical vault to serve expanded operations. The consultants noted the update is not seeking action at this meeting but is intended to keep the plan current for FAA and Texas Aviation grant eligibility.
Design alternatives examined two possible terminal sites; the preferred alternative sits adjacent to existing airport management offices and scores well for both airfield access and highway connections. Consultants also reviewed roadway alternatives, including relocating Airport Drive to align with the SH-21/FM-110 signal and creating a consolidated loop road for a future terminal pickup/drop-off area. A perimeter road to support fuel deliveries and internal airport movements was also shown in planning maps.
On capital funding, consultants said many projects in the 10-year CIP are likely to be largely grant-funded, with a common federal/state-to-local split of about 90% to 10% for eligible aeronautical projects; the fuel-farm replacement and certain runway-safety decoupling projects were identified for near-term grant pursuit. Staff said the new entrance road was not in the immediate CIP because near-term CIP priorities are aeronautical; the road remains an eligible project for potential 90/10 grant funding and will be considered as the plan advances.
No action was taken. Next steps include updating the airport layout plan for Texas Aviation review and returning with capital planning for council approval as projects move from planning to grant application stages.
