Sep 27th 2024 | Posted in Infrastructure, Transportation by Mary Scott Nabers

Photo courtesy of Tobias Rehbein on Pixabay

This story was originally published in the Texas Government Insider newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.

The state of Texas will use $107.1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve airport safety, sustainability and performance.

The El Paso International Airport (EPIA) received $26.9 million to support the Five Node Intersection Remediation project. The airport will reconstruct, rehabilitate and improve existing approach areas near the terminal apron. The project scope includes removing and placing pavement, installing drainage and electrical systems and reconstructing a taxiway. Plans also include rehabilitating lighting on the Five Node Intersection and nearby remain overnight (RON) aprons and rehabilitant RON apron pavement.

The Five Node Intersection Remediation project will also include rehabilitating and reconfiguring a parallel taxiway, connectors and a terminal apron taxi lane. EPIA will demolish the current pavement and remove electrical infrastructure in the area. The airport will then build the taxiway and shoulders with erosion control measures. The project will feature stormwater improvements, including reinforced concrete pipes and boxes, inlet structures, ditch paving and junction boxes. Construction is expected to begin in February 2025.

Dallas Love Field will use $11.7 million to build and extend its safety area. The project will reconstruct 2,400 feet of concrete along the northwest end of the airfield. Plans include installing lighting, signage and markings and mitigating erosion. The airport will undertake additional utility work to enhance airfield operational resilience.

Other recipients receiving funding include:

  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport will invest $11.3 million in zero-emissions infrastructure projects.
  • Victoria Regional will spend $10.6 million to shift a taxiway.
  • Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport will receive $9 million to reconstruct 6,000 feet of a runway. The project will ensure the runway meets modern safety standards and accommodate future airport growth.
  • East Texas Regional will use $7 million to rehabilitate a runway.

The funds are part of the fifth round of awards from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), consisting of $1.9 billion that will be distributed to airports across the country. Recipients will use the funds to develop and improve the United States’ airport system. The latest round, for the first time, supports projects that reduce, mitigate and remove contaminants from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that harm the environment and public health.

As President and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., Mary Scott Nabers has decades of experience working in the public-private sector. A well-recognized expert in the P3 and government contracting fields, she is often asked to share her industry insights with top publications and through professional speaking engagements.