Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Apply for, Accept if Awarded, and Implement a Grant from the Small Community Air Service Development Program from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the McKinney National Airport Air Service Marketing Program; And Providing for an Effective Date Hereof
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Maximize the Development of the McKinney National Airport
(3.3: Improve communication and marketing to show the value of McKinney National Airport to the city and region.
Operational Excellence
(2.1: Balance available resources to accommodate the growth and maintenance needs of the city.)
MEETING DATE: April 21, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Airport
CONTACT: Kenneth Carley, A.A.E., Director of Airport
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Seeking approval to apply for grant funding from the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to support the development of new nonstop year-round and seasonal air service at McKinney National Airport through its Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP).
• Funding will be used for airline-specific, or general airport marketing campaigns, and, as an incentive to reduce the airline’s risk when starting a new service route, revenue guarantees.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• SCASDP was created in 2000 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) Office of the Secretary.
• U.S. DOT is making up to $12 million available for grant awards for this round.
• SCASDP provides financial assistance, on a competitive basis, to small, underserved airports to help enhance their air service and connect to the national air transportation system.
• Eligible projects for funding include financial incentives and marketing and promotion of the airport, community, carrier, or destination.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Requesting $1,600,000 in grant funds.
• A match of $300,000 will be provided with funding from TIRZ 2.
• Although a match is not required with this grant, applications that contribute local funds will be viewed more favorably. These funds will only be used if the grant is awarded.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• At its meeting on March 17, 2026, The TIRZ 2 Board approved the match funding for the Air Service Marketing Program application. Additionally, an ordinance was passed at the City Council Regular Meeting on April 7, 2026, to appropriate those funds to the Airport Fund.