Construction completed on the Regional Airport

A rededication ceremony was held Friday at 2 p.m. for the San Angelo Regional Airport Terminal, marking the completion of a $5.9 million remodel of the Mathis Field facility done by Templeton Construction.

The airport was originally built in the 1940’s and only cost approximately $365,000 to build. This was its first major overhaul, which began with the concourse remodel that was finished in 2007. Luis Elguezabal, Airport Director who served as the Terminal Renovations Project Manager, stated, “These improvements were worth waiting for. Everything that has been done here at the airport has deemed one singular focus: improving the customer experience. While the footprint of this terminal did not change, it has been modernized to provide customers the convenience and comfort they deserve. The wise and witty Will Rogers was right ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression.’”

The renovations included a remodeled terminal that melded with the concourse along with the façade. The airline counters, restrooms and administrative offices have been relocated; the baggage claim has been expanded and installed with a new belt system; the ADA accessibility improved and enlarged the checkpoint area.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Grindstaff, the former Assistant City Manager who was unable to attend due to a prior engagement, left a statement addressed by City Manager Daniel Valenzuela, who stated, “We, in positions of leadership much applaud our citizens for their wisdom and foresight, including the half cent sales tax. Although the FAA funded 90% of this project, we leveraged those federal dollars with half cents sales tax revenue. That important addition to our funding arsenal made this gleaming terminal possible. Much like a jet with its wheels up, we are on the rise.”

The San Angelo Mayor, Dwain Morrison, closed the ceremony with his shining praise of San Angelo, “I want to tell you how very proud I am of the community of San Angelo this week. Yesterday, we lined up in mass along the banks of the Concho River. Seven area bands, two of the ROTC from both of our high schools, and all the many people who stood around to honor and to recognize the Wounded Warriors--those people who have served in our military and are hurt--gave me a great feeling of pride. And today, we are able to stand out here at this beautiful airport and rededicate this facility that is so very important to our community. We have grown to become one of the strongest, the best, the most striving communities in all of West Texas, and this renovation simply stands to symbolize and to showcase our efforts, our growth, and the diversity of our economy.”

This rededication is among the many developments the City of San Angelo has completed to continue to make San Angelo thrive and a better place for it citizens.