SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to ratify the acceptance of Grant No. LRD-SWG-3-48-0136-108-2026, in the amount of $2,102,868 from the Federal Aviation Administration for the design of the extension of Runway 18R extension and the demolition of the Engineering Material Arresting System (EMAS) Project. The performance period will be from July 2026 through July 2030. The City of Laredo will be responsible for providing a local match of $110,677 from the Airport Operating Funds, for a total project cost of $2,213,456. Funding is available in the Laredo International Airport Operating Fund.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): Goal 4.15: Enable the safe and efficient movement of goods via rail, truck, and air.
Summary of alignment: This project strongly aligns with the Viva Laredo Plan by enabling the safe and efficient movement of goods and aircraft via air transportation. The project proposes to remove deteriorated infrastructure that poses operational risks, maintains FAA-compliant runway safety requirements, improves airfield operational efficiency through runway and taxiway enhancements, and preserves the long-term functionality of Laredo International Airport as a critical component of the City's international transportation and logistics network.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Laredo International Airport currently has an Engineering Material Arresting System Bed on Runway 36L. An EMAS is a specialized surface placed at the end of a runway in an effort to enhance the safety of aircraft that undershoot, overrun, or veer off the runway. The existing EMAS on Runway 36L has reached the end of its life and is in poor condition.
In order to continue meet safety length requirement for the current aircraft fleet mix landing at the Laredo International Airport, the airport has proposed to demolish the existing Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) bed located on Runway 36L and replace it with a blast pad. Additionally, the airport has proposed a 471’ extension of Runway 18R and Taxiway G. Threshold location on both runway ends will remain in existing location.
The Federal Aviation Administration is in support of the proposed project and has granted LRD with Grant No. LRD-SWG-3-48-0136-108-2026.
It is in the best interest of the Laredo International Airport, the Citizens of Laredo, and any civilian utilizing the Laredo International Airport that this grant be accepted by the City Council.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Laredo International Airport- FAA Grant 108
Account #: Various
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding will be available in the Laredo International Airport FAA Grant 108
Revenue Acct:
242-0000-322-2069 Project# FAA108
Expense Acct:
242-3643-584-9900 Project# FAA108