TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Texarkana Regional Airport master plan cleared another hurdle this week as it heads to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and possible approval.
At a regular meeting Tuesday, the Board of Directors approved the full, more than 400-page document outlining possible construction projects and other developments over the next 20 years at the airport. The Texarkana, Texas, City Council is expected to discuss and vote on the plan at its June 10 meeting.
The two Texarkanas each own a portion of the airport and participate in its operations.
In his presentation to the board, airport CEO Paul Mehrlich said the planning document provides access to federal funding for the projects listed. Funding for the project, which comes through the FAA, is requested every five years.
“This is not a blanket approval for these projects,” he said, adding that the plan can be reviewed and modified after 10 years.
To highlight the value of the master plan, Mehrlich referenced a potential project: a 1,200-foot runway extension. If started today, the expansion would cost about $80 million.
“We put it there because if we are ever approached by a major company (like Amazon or FedEx) that is interested in growing, then we will have access to federal funds to carry out that type of project,” Mehrlich said.
While extending the 1,200-foot runway is a long-term goal, a more immediate project would be the construction of additional hangars.
Mehrlich reported that the airport has received letters from companies interested in locating operations at Texarkana Regional. His letters were sent to the FAA to show the need to fund a 500-foot runway extension, one of the last master plan projects the airport completed in 2003.
Following Mehrlich’s presentation, the board questioned the airport director about various aspects of the plan.
Vice Mayor Jeff Hart asked what impact construction and expansion projects would have on private property. During public meetings about the master plan, homeowners, particularly those in the East Heights neighborhood, expressed concerns about the proximity of the 500-foot runway extension to their land.
“Does this affect the current owners?” -Hart asked.
Mehrlich said no, explaining that much of the land under potential use already belongs to the airport.
“Right now, it’s pretty much all retail/storage development,” Mehrlich said of other properties.
The director of Hall 4, Ulysses Brewer, wondered about the income possibilities of the hangars.
“We will end up getting revenue from landing fees and fuel flow (purchasing fuel from fixed operators),” Mehrlich said.
According to Mehrlich, more than 30 jobs could be created with the expansion of the hangars.
District 5 Director Danny Jewell continued the discussion about the hangars and asked if the letters of interest are a clear indication that companies will come here.
“They will come if we can make the hangars at a price that is profitable for them,” Mehrlich said.
The landing of the companies also depends on the expansion of the runway, which is necessary to accommodate the large-body aircraft used by the companies.
Jewell then asked about the timeline for lengthening and strengthening the runway.
“If we have all the funds ready for this year, we will begin construction next year and should be ready by spring 2027.”
District 2 Director Laney Harris asked if the airport would use eminent domain to acquire property for development.
“One thing we have included in the drawing, which will be part of the master plan, is that the properties will be acquired by mutual agreement with the owners. We will not use eminent domain,” Mehrlich said.
However, Harris asked City Attorney Josh Potter if the city could pass an ordinance specifically stating that eminent domain would not be used.
Mehrlich warned against this. He said that to obtain grant assurances from the FAA, the airport cannot waive its rights, including the authority to use eminent domain.
“I can’t give up its power, but I can say that we won’t use it.”
Despite Mehrlich’s explanation, Harris said he would like a written statement that mentioned the words “eminent domain” and that the airport would not use it. He said his request is based on a desire to protect property rights.
“If a property is to be acquired in the future, it would have to come before the board anyway, correct,” Potter asked.
Mehrlich responded yes, stating that both Texarkanas would have to approve the acquisition.
Harris then made a motion to draft an ordinance stating that the airport would not use eminent domain.
“Whether I get anywhere or not, at least I’ll do what I think I should do,” he said.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
After more discussion, the board voted to approve the master plan. Harris was the only one who voted against.
District 1 Director Terry Roberts praised the work put into developing the plan, calling it “a real game changer” for economic development.
“People will start to see that this airport is not just a way out of Texarkana but a way into Texarkana,” Roberts said.
If the City Council on the Texas side approves the document, it will be sent to the FAA. The final review and approval process could take up to six months.
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