Edinburg Airport Lands $10 Million Boost for Runway Expansion and Infrastructure Upgrades

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX – The South Texas International Airport in Edinburg will receive an additional $10 million in state funding following action by the 89th Texas Legislature, bringing the total state investment in the facility to $20 million over the last two budget cycles.

The funding, secured through Senate Bill 1 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, was championed by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales. City officials praised their efforts, citing the airport’s growing importance to regional development and state-level emergency and security operations.

“This continued investment in our airport is a testament to the vision and support of our state leaders,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “Senator Hinojosa and Chairman Canales have championed a facility that is not only essential to our region’s development, but also to the security and preparedness of the entire southern corridor of Texas.”

The most recent $10 million allocation will fund construction work tied to a major runway and taxiway expansion. The project includes a 1,000-foot extension to the existing runway, upgrades to associated taxiways, and other critical infrastructure improvements designed to increase safety, operational efficiency, and capacity.

This follows an earlier $10 million appropriation approved during the 88th Legislature, which funded design and engineering for a series of enhancements such as:

• Replacement of runway lighting and visual navigation aids
• Elevation improvements and drainage upgrades along the midfield runway
• Preliminary engineering and planning for the upcoming runway extension

City officials say these developments are part of a broader strategy to modernize the airport and better support regional air operations. The South Texas International Airport plays a pivotal role in the state’s infrastructure and security network, serving as a central logistics and emergency staging hub.

The airport is regularly utilized by the Texas Division of Emergency Management during hurricane and severe storm events and supports the ongoing missions of multiple state and federal agencies, including:

• Texas Department of Public Safety – Aircraft Division
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Texas Parks and Wildlife – Game Wardens’ Aircraft Division
• U.S. Border Patrol – Air and Marine Operations

Its secure facilities also make it a key location for VIP and executive arrivals, having hosted visits from the President of the United States, First Lady, and members of Congress. It further serves as a media staging ground during high-profile regional events.

Mayor Garza said the funding helps position the airport as a cornerstone of the state’s readiness and law enforcement infrastructure.

“With these latest investments, we are better prepared to support our law enforcement, military, emergency response professionals, and the residents we all serve,” Garza said.

Source — City of Edinburg