WESLACO — The Mid Valley Airport will soon break ground on the construction of 40 hangars, which economic development officials hope will not only increase air traffic but bolster the local economy.
The news comes shortly after the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, together with airport director Andrew Muñoz, announced a June 9 ribbon cutting ceremony officially marking the opening of an extended runway, and a subsequent fly-in event celebrating its completion the following day.
Now planned to accompany the 6,002-feet-long, 75-feet-wide runway are 40 hangars designed to accommodate private aircrafts. Such facilities are referred to as T-hangars.
Local officials anticipate breaking ground on these T-hangars in early August with the aim of creating additional leasing opportunities at the airport, which is located at 1909 Joe Stephens Ave. in Weslaco. The construction is expected to be complete sometime in December.
Hangar space will measure 50,000 square feet within three acres located at the airport, of which contractual use has been unanimously approved by the Weslaco City Commission.
“Weslaco is becoming a more critical component to industries, logistics and manufacturing companies looking to grow and expand … and location is everything,” Richard Talbert, president of the EDC Board of Directors, stated in a press release that was submitted Wednesday.
In addition to an increase in air traffic, also expected is a spike in fuel sales, airport maintenance and terminal services, which local officials hope will assist in “stimulating Weslaco’s economy in the hotel, retail, restaurant and tourism industries,” according to the release.
Weighing in was the owner of the T-hangars, Hector Zuñiga of the McAllen Flight Academy.
“Of the 40 T-hangers proposed in Weslaco, 10 interested private plane owners and other aviation-related tenants have already contacted me even before breaking ground,” Zuñiga stated in the release, noting the interest that’s already been generated for the T-hangars.
City leaders have also credited Weslaco’s central location in the Rio Grande Valley as well as the airport upgrades for creating said interest.
– 40 T-hangers (designed for private aircrafts)
– 50,000 square feet on 3 acres
– Breaking ground in August
– Construction to be completed in December
– Owned by Hector Zuñiga of the McAllen Flight Academy
