In a recent meeting of the Lago Vista Airport Advisory Board (AAB), members discussed critical funding and engineering commitments necessary for the rehabilitation of the Lago Vista Airport, the only paved airport with an instrument approach in Travis County, aside from Austin Bergstrom. The board emphasized the urgency of these improvements, which are essential for safety and operational efficiency.

During the meeting, a motion was made to draft a letter of intent (LOI) to the city council, requesting a commitment of $62,500 for engineering work related to the airport's pavement and electrical systems. This funding is part of a larger $6 million initiative aimed at addressing long-overdue maintenance needs. The board recognized the importance of a unified approach in securing these funds, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have led to previous capital improvement projects.

The board unanimously approved the motion to draft the LOI, which will also include $15,000 for the construction of an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). This system is vital for providing real-time weather data to pilots, enhancing safety and operational capabilities at the airport.

In addition to the LOI, the board discussed drafting a response letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the city’s qualification for a Section 185 exemption. This exemption could facilitate negotiations for changes to existing agreements related to airport access. The proposed letter would express gratitude for the FAA's recognition of Lago Vista's qualifications while also indicating the city's decision to retract earlier considerations for changes due to cost and time constraints.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving airport infrastructure and ensuring that Lago Vista remains a vital hub for aviation in the region. With the fiscal year 2026 approaching, the board's proactive measures aim to secure necessary funding and support from both the city council and federal authorities. The next steps will involve finalizing the LOI and the response to the FAA, with the expectation that these efforts will lead to significant advancements for the Lago Vista Airport.