The City of Laredo International Airport seeks to acquire approximately 350 acres. The Airport Master Plan recommends the land acquisition for runway protection zone, airport development and to ensure future compatibility.

During the past decade, the City of Laredo grew in land mass by approximately 135%! This growth continues today and threatens to encroach on the airport with incompatible development.

The airport is near exhausting aeronautical use land and must acquire additional land to enable future growth of aeronautical activity.

Recently, the City of Laredo acted proactively to stop the development of 120 residential lots abutting the airport by acquiring 27.3 acres for $3,250,260.00. The City is acquiring an additional 39 acre tract abutting the airport for $3,890,343.00.

The House Appropriations Committee in the FY 2001 Transportation Appropriations Bill directed FAA to give priority consideration to Laredo’s Land Use Compatibility Plan.

FAR Part 150 Record of Approval approved in part the acquisition of 303 acres, if determination is made that the 303 acres are in danger of being developed incompatible.

This land acquisition project qualifies for noise, safety and capacity set-asides. Approximately ninety percent (90%) of the land proposed for acquisition is impacted by airport noise, ranging from 65 to 75 DNL.

Time is of the essence as real estate values are soaring due to Laredo’s rapid growth.

The City of Laredo requests multiple AIP Grants starting with FY 07 to commence to acquire the subject land areas.

 

 

• Federal Aviation Administration