Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas –The City of Edinburg is proud to announce that the State of Texas has once again recognized the strategic importance of the South Texas International Airport by allocating an additional $10 million in funding during the 89th Texas Legislature. This new investment builds on a previous $10 million appropriation secured during the 88th Legislative Session—bringing the total state commitment to the airport to $20 million over the past two budget cycles.
The City of Edinburg extends its sincere appreciation to Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Chairman Terry Canales for their tireless advocacy and leadership. Their support ensured this critical line item was included in Senate Bill 1 and ultimately signed by Governor Greg Abbott as part of the state’s biennial budget. City officials also expressed their gratitude to Governor Abbott for his continued commitment to South Texas and for recognizing the airport’s role in strengthening statewide infrastructure, security, and emergency preparedness.
“This continued investment in our airport is a testament to the vision and support of our state leaders,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “Senator Hinojosa and Chairman Canales have championed a facility that is not only essential to our region’s development, but also to the security and preparedness of the entire southern corridor of Texas.”
The $10 million secured during the 88th Legislature funded the design and engineering for essential upgrades, including:
| Replacement of lighting and other visual navigation aids |
| Drainage improvements and elevation enhancements to the midfield runway |
| Design and engineering preparations for a 1,000-foot extension of the runway and associated taxiways |
The new $10 million allocation from the 89th Legislature will now fund the actual pavement construction of the runway and taxiway extensions, along with other key infrastructure improvements that enhance the airport’s safety, operational capacity, and regional readiness.
The South Texas International Airport serves as a vital aviation and data transfer hub for Operation Lone Star and functions as a central emergency staging area for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) during natural disasters such as hurricanes and severe storm events.
| It also supports the ongoing operations of numerous local, state, and federal agencies, including: |
| Texas Department of Public Safety – Aircraft Division |
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
| Texas Game Wardens – Aircraft Division |
| U.S. Border Patrol – Air and Marine Operations |
Due to its secure facilities and operational privacy, the airport is frequently used for high-level VIP arrivals and departures, including visits from the President of the United States, First Lady, and members of Congress. It also serves as a secure site for media staging during major events impacting the region.
“This airport continues to grow as a centerpiece in Texas’s collective effort to strengthen our frontlines,” added Mayor Garza. “With these latest investments, we are better prepared to support our law enforcement, military, emergency response professionals, and the residents we all serve.”
