SLRA Runway Rehab Necessary to Ensure Strong Economy
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Sugar Land, TX – City Council’s recent approval of a $1.4 million design project for the rehabilitation of Sugar Land Regional Airport’s runway is the first step in a process that will include extensive engagement with stakeholders.
The SLRA runway was built in 1985 and requires daily maintenance to ensure safe aircraft operations. An aviation-engineering firm identified the need for runway rehabilitation in 2021.
Airport staff worked with consultants to identify an innovative approach to ensure a cost-effective, permanent rehab solution necessary to accommodate corporate jets, such as the Global Express, that routinely utilize the airport and support the regional economy. The design project will meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards, an important step that ensures the construction project qualifies for grant funding. FAA and TxDOT Aviation grants are expected to fund the estimated $30 million construction project.
Any local contributions necessary to support the grants will come from funds generated by airport revenues such as fuel sales, hangar rentals, land leases, etc. No general fund tax dollars support airport operations or projects.
“To minimize a lengthy runway closure, the existing runway will be crushed, recycled, and used as a base to support an asphalt overlay,” said Deputy Director of Aviation Mitchell Davies. “Asphalt pavement for single-runway airports is an industry standard and will provide us with the flexibility to address future pavement issues at night with minimal impact on aircraft operations.”
Design is expected to require 10 months, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. Educational outreach and stakeholder engagement will include a combination of digital communication and in-person meetings. Updates on the project will also be added to www.runwayupdate.com.
Sugar Land Regional Airport is an important part of the regional economy and contributes more than $69.9 million to the property tax rolls, funding services provided by both Fort Bend County and Fort Bend Independent School District. More than 100 Fortune 500 companies utilize SLRA on a regular basis, and serves the needs of the local general aviation community. The airport is a self-supporting business that does not utilize general fund tax dollars.
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