Government
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
The McKinney Community Development Corp. and McKinney Economic Development Corp. have committed a total of $5.4 million to improvements at McKinney National Airport. The MEDC board unanimously approved the fund allotment at an April 16 meeting as well as an additional fund allotment at a May 23 meeting. The details The MEDC board contributed $1.78 million, which will be used for planning and design of roadways, parking and infrastructure, Assistant City Manager Barry Shelton said at the April 25 meeting. The MCDC board approved a $3.6 million contribution that will be used for improvements such as taxiways, aprons where aircraft are parked and airport facilities, such as hangars or terminals. The infrastructure improvements planned for the site will enable the development of both commercial and general aviation uses, as much of the planned infrastructure for either use is the same, Shelton said. Improvements planned include taxiways and ramp spaces. How we got here City Council members have indicated they still want to pursue commercial aviation at the airport, Shelton said, despite the failure of the McKinney National Airport gets $5.4M in planning funds
One of three concept plans presented for development on the east side of the airport includes a mix of general aviation, such as private hangars, and commercial uses, such as commercial passenger service. Proposed commercial aviation area Proposed general aviation area Potential development plan
"Commercial aviation will happen in McKinney, whether it’s in two years, in ve years [or] in 20 years." BARRY SHELTON, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
$200 million bond in May 2023, which would have funded a commercial passenger terminal. “The question on the bond election was whether or not the citizens wanted to fund debt of $200 million to fund commercial aviation,” Shelton said. “They said very clearly ... they do not wish to fund that debt, so the council has looked into other options.” Shelton said the funds will contribute to preparing the airport for future development by the city or other entities, such as corporations. Shelton said an aviation maintenance company previously expressed interest in developing a site on the east side of the airport but chose to go to another airport because the site did not have the necessary existing infrastructure. “Development of the east side is important for us to continue the growth of the airport,” he said. Looking ahead Shelton said he expects design work for the project to be completed and ready for construc- tion in mid-2025. Ahead of construction, Shelton said he expects city sta to continue pursuing funding sources for the construction work, including through federal grant programs. “Once we have the design ready and we have ... documents ready for construction, we will have to determine how to fund the construc- tion,” he said.
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McKinney National Airport
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SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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