Athens Airport advisory board hears $14 million grant timetable, tables east-side fence

The Airport Advisory Board of the City of Athens, Texas, on April 20 received an update on an airport layout master plan tied to a $14 million Texas grant and unanimously tabled a proposal to install 3,750 feet of 8-foot-high fence along the airport's east side.

City Manager Elizabeth Borstad said she and Board member Randy Ball met with Garver and a Texas Department of Transportation planner at the 44th Texas Aviation Conference to discuss funding timetables, property acquisition, and runway layout. Borstad said Garver will prepare a grant agreement and a preliminary construction-cost estimate; the city must complete the grant agreement process by August 2027 to remain eligible for the grant.

Borstad added that land acquisition cannot proceed until the environmental study is complete, and the environmental study depends on confirmation of the proposed runway realignment. "There are only two years to get a grant agreement in place for the accessibility of the $14 million grant," Borstad said.

Board member Randy Ball reported the conference was well attended and said the meetings covered how the runway could be laid out and how existing runway components might be used as part of the master plan.

Votes at a glance: The board unanimously approved the Jan. 20, 2026, minutes (motion by Board member Charlie Tidmore, seconded by Board member Randy Ball); unanimously tabled discussion of installing 3,750 feet of 8-foot-high fence on the airport's east side (motion by Tidmore, seconded by Ball); and unanimously approved a motion to adjourn (moved by John Cain, seconded by Kevin Halbert).

Public Works Director Shannon Easley reported routine maintenance progress: the airport's aerobic system passed inspection, the mowing program began in March, and the ramp was re-striped.

Chairman Keno Brown called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.; the meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.