Airport Advisory Board - 2026/05/14

The Airport Advisory Board meeting held on May 14, 2026, focused extensively on procurement and operational issues related to the Nacogdoches airport. Key discussions included the upcoming runway and taxiway construction project awarded to Don Jackson Construction, which is on schedule to start with additional safety-related work incorporated due to FAA requirements. The board also deliberated on the potential installation of a new 12,000-gallon unleaded aviation fuel tank to accommodate the transition away from leaded fuel, driven primarily by the needs of the local flight school, HCH Aviation. The estimated infrastructure cost is $450,000, with concerns raised about the financial viability, market demand, and pricing strategy for the new fuel offering. The board reviewed and advised on a proposed fixed base operator (FBO) agreement for HCH Aviation, including fuel flowage fees and operational regulations, emphasizing the need for equitable fees and city control over fuel sales for safety and revenue sustainability. Additionally, the board considered an amended ground lease agreement with KPU Investments LLC to allow fuel storage on leased premises. Finally, the board discussed the scope and funding of a comprehensive airport business plan to guide future development, revenue diversification, and regulatory updates, with plans to seek consultant assistance and potential grant funding. Motions were passed to accept the lease amendment and to proceed with further development of the business plan, while advice was given to revisit the FBO agreement terms to better reflect financial and operational realities.