Extend/expand taxiway; expand apron

The City of Lubbock received a $16.27 million Project Grant award on August 20, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs, and COVID-19 Airports Programs (CFDA 20.106) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southwestern Region. This grant funds a portion of the final construction phase of airport infrastructure improvements at Lubbock-Preston Smith International Airport. The project encompasses two primary capital improvements: expansion of the existing cargo apron by 29,880 square yards to meet current FAA standards, and extension of Taxiway L by 3,000 linear feet to achieve conformity with current airport design standards. These infrastructure enhancements are designed to improve airport operational capacity and safety.

The grant represents partial federal funding for the overall project, with complementary Airport Improvement Program and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) funding supporting the remaining eligible costs. The award is anticipated for completion by August 19, 2029, providing a four-year project period typical of FAA airport infrastructure grants. The construction activities will enhance the airport's ability to accommodate cargo operations and taxiway traffic flow, supporting the long-term economic development objectives outlined in the Airport Improvement Program's strategic framework for maintaining an adequate nationwide system of public-use airports.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project expands the existing cargo apron by adding 29,880 square yards to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project extends existing taxiway l by an additional 3,000 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds a portion of the final phase, which consists of construction. This grant funds a portion of the total project. This grant is associated with an airport improvement program grant and an airport infrastructure grant (AIG) that will fund the remaining eligible portion of the phase. This grant is associated with an airport improvement program grant and an airport infrastructure grant (AIG) that will fund the remaining eligible portion of the project. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with lubbock, texas.