McKINNEY, TEXAS (Oct. 12, 2009) – Collin County Regional Airport (CCRA) in McKinney and the McKinney Airport Development Corporation (MADC) will celebrate a ground-breaking event on Oct. 14 to mark the start of construction of a new runway. State, county and city leaders will join the MADC to break ground on the new runway project at a ceremony starting at 4 p.m. at the airport.
This project’s next step is a major benchmark, taking place in the fifth year of the airport’s eight-year, $72 million Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) supported by more than $52 million in federal and state aviation grants. It is scheduled for completion in late 2012. A recent federal infusion of $5 million presented to city and airport leaders by U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson, who was joined by U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, represents the third allocation of ACIP funds. The first allocation was made in 2007 for $4.91 million, and the second allocation was received in 2008 for $5 million.
“Collin County Regional Airport is the premier business aviation airport in the Dallas region. Everything we do is geared toward attracting and serving business and general aviation. We are far ahead of other area airports in terms of perimeter security, infrastructure and service,” said John Wroten, Chairman of MADC.
Owned by the City of McKinney and operated by the MADC, CCRA is a general aviation reliever airport that focuses on serving business and general aviation. The airport’s economic impact on the region is estimated to be $123 million. In addition, it generates approximately $3 million in advelorem tax revenue annually.
The runway will meet federal design and safety standards for runway–taxiway separation distances. Once complete and operational, the airport’s current runway will become the airport’s parallel taxiway. The new runway will measure 7,002 feet by 150 feet and will be located 550 feet east of the existing runway, increasing separation between the runway and taxiway to enhance airport safety for the operation of large aircraft currently at the airport and for larger aircraft in the future. The new runway’s additional width is considered to be a commercial standard and will permit the operation of larger, safer, quieter aircraft at CCRA, including commercial passenger aircraft.
The project is being funded over a period of seven years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has committed to $33 million over seven years. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Division of Aviation has committed approximately $11 million in three multi-year allocations. The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has committed $7 million for non-federal and state eligible costs over three years, which will pay for the expense of a wider, heavier-duty design and construction. This wider and heavier pavement should increase business activity and could attract commercial passenger service in the future. The City of McKinney will have committed approximately $5 million once all reimbursements for land acquisitions are received.
“We greatly appreciate and acknowledge the continued generous allocation of grant funds for the runway improvements of Collin County Regional Airport. With the FAA’s support and support from our congressional leaders, the airport will continue to expand its available services to our corporate citizens and continue to be a true economic engine to our city and county. We look forward to the completion of our runway improvement project which would not be possible without the continued support of federal, state, county and local officials,” said McKinney Mayor Loughmiller.
The project also includes the future relocation of a section of F.M. 546 that runs south of the airport as well as the construction of significant storm water management controls to enhance the airport’s continuing goal to be environmentally responsible.
About McKinney
McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of 122,000. Incorporated in 1848, the city is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments, and it was recently ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Move by Forbes Magazine. Visit the city’s Web site at www.mckinneytexas.org.
