The West Side Cargo and General Aviation Apron is in poor condition and is a safety concern. Phase III work entails the rehabilitation of a third section of the GA Apron. Rehabilitation of the entire GA Apron is proposed over several phases/years.

GA apron assessment:

• Constructed in 1942-1943
• Covers an area measuring 4,330’ x 700’
• Original pavement design was for the small trainer aircraft
• Existing and original apron consists of 6” PCC
• Engineering analysis has shown that apron is experiencing base failure throughout
• Large civilian aircrafts are stressing the pavements to the breaking point
• Requires constant sweeping to pickup FOD (concrete breakage)
• Excessive maintenance is needed

Aircrafts which use the apron, range in size from the smallest aircraft, to daily DC-8,

Aircrafts which use the apron, range in size from the smallest aircraft, to daily DC-8, B-727, B-757 and DC-9 cargo configured aircraft. Occasionally, a Boeing 747, DC-10 or Antonov calls on the airport. The Laredo International Airport plays an important role in NAFTA trade with just-in-time air cargo to Fortune 500 companies.

Engineering plans and specifications are ready to bid.

 

The City of Laredo requests a continuation Discretionary Grant during FY 2007 in the amount of $4.0 million to rehabilitate Phase III of the West Side Cargo and General Aviation Apron, to include storm drainage improvements. The total estimated project cost for the entire apron over several phases/years is approximately $27 million.

• Federal Aviation Administration