Abilene's Airport Development Board celebrated a significant milestone during their recent meeting, announcing the successful approval of a $20 million bond by local voters on May 3. The bond, which passed with a narrow margin of 52% to 48%, is set to play a crucial role in funding upcoming airport projects.

The council officially ratified the election results earlier this week, marking the bond's status as official. While the bond will not be issued immediately, plans are in place to close on it by the end of this year or early next year. Construction is anticipated to begin in early to mid-2026.

This funding will not only cover the bond's costs but also enhance Abilene's chances of securing discretionary grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has emphasized the importance of community support in grant applications, and the bond approval demonstrates strong local backing. The board highlighted that the bond will help cover grant matches, which are expected to be at a reduced rate of 5% for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, compared to the usual 10%.

In addition to the bond, the board is preparing to apply for an airport terminal project grant later this summer, coinciding with the FAA's release of funding opportunities for fiscal year 2026. This grant type will sunset after FY26, making the upcoming application critical for the airport's future development.

The board expressed gratitude to the citizens of Abilene for their support, emphasizing that this bond approval is a significant boost for the airport's growth and development plans.