PRESENTER: Presenter
Christopher Greenwell, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of New Braunfels authorizing the City Manager to act on behalf of the City of New Braunfels and the New Braunfels National Airport in all matters regarding the application to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) competitive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contract Tower (FCT) grant program, and pledging that the City of New Braunfels will comply with the grant requirements of the Texas Department of Transportation.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development (New Braunfels National Airport), and Finance
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City was previously awarded $1,500,000 in Year 1 of the IIJA FCT program to complete a siting study, site selection, environmental review, and 30 percent design for the tower replacement project. These preliminary phases were completed in FY2025, and the FY2026 application represents the final funding request necessary to complete the relocation and replacement of the existing air traffic control tower.
The City of New Braunfels intends to apply for the Fiscal Year 2026 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) competitive Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower (FCT) grant to fund the final design and construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower and the demolition of the existing tower at the New Braunfels National Airport.
ISSUE:
To enhance safety at New Braunfels National Airport, demolition of the existing air traffic control tower and construction of a new tower is necessary. This facility improvement will significantly improve air traffic controller visibility across the runway and airfield, strengthening operational oversight and situational awareness. The new tower will support safer, more efficient airfield operations and ensure a safe experience for pilots utilizing the airport.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Considering statutory and market-based factors, continue to diversify revenue streams to support long-term fiscal sustainability of the Organization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the grant provides a 100% reimbursement to the City for the construction of the proposed tower. However, the Airport Fund will be required to advance associated project costs, and the granting agency will provide reimbursement of all awarded costs.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.