Sugar Land Regional Airport Approves $39.21 Million Runway 17-35 Reconstruction Contract
Why It MattersA single-runway reliever airport committing to a full reconstruction shows how aging general-aviation infrastructure is being renewed through federal grants, with a month-long closure the main operational cost.
At its Oct. 20 meeting, Sugar Land City Council unanimously approved a $39.21 million construction contract with Austin Bridge & Road Inc. to reconstruct the runway at Sugar Land Regional Airport. Runway 17-35, the airport's only runway, was built in 1985 and has reached the end of its useful life, relying on over 3,000 patches and daily maintenance to keep operating, Director of Aviation Mitchell Davies said. City staff have worked toward reconstruction for about 10 years.
The project has four phases. Phase one covers removing the runway shoulder, installing drainage improvements and adding infrastructure for new airfield lighting. Phase two covers reconstructing the south 1,000 feet of the runway and installing new airfield equipment. Phase three covers reconstructing the major part of the runway. Phase four covers building connecting roads, relocating roads surrounding the runway, grooving asphalt and adding permanent markings. The runway will fully close during phase three from Aug. 30, 2027 to Sept. 29, 2027, and other phases will include nightly closures. Davies said runway construction is expected to start in early 2027 and finish by January 2028.
The council also approved a $2.53 million contract with Pape-Dawson, formerly known as KSA Engineers, to oversee construction, including material testing, construction administration and inspections. Pape-Dawson has been part of the project since the study phase.
The project is funded through $26.06 million in grants and $20.14 million in airport funds, and does not use property taxes, Davies said. The $16 million in grants accepted at the Oct. 20 meeting added to $10 million the airport already had. City staff worked with U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher and Troy Nehls to push for federal grants, and an extra $2.8 million was secured.
The council additionally approved an agreement with Lang Property Investments LLC for the design of a new hangar, covering land surveying and engineering design but not construction.
