Infrastructure

For travelers moving through San Antonio International Airport, drainage infrastructure is mostly out of sight. But beneath and around the airfield, safely moving stormwater is an important part of keeping runways, taxiways and terminal operations functioning during heavy rain.

San Antonio International Airport announced Sept. 25 that it has been awarded two Federal Aviation Administration grants totaling $43,250,959, the largest single Airport Improvement Program award in the airport’s history. The funding will advance major airfield drainage improvements while supporting the continued construction of SAT’s new terminal complex.

“The redevelopment of SAT is funded through airport revenues, but grants like this help the airport stretch its dollars and do more for our passengers,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “These federal investments will help strengthen a critical piece of San Antonio's transportation infrastructure while supporting the continued development of our airport.”

What the FAA Funding Will Pay For

The drainage improvements are designed to add stormwater capacity and bring San Antonio International Airport’s drainage infrastructure up to current FAA requirements and rainfall-design standards. According to SAT, the improvements are expected to help eliminate standing water on the airfield, reduce conditions that can attract wildlife and increase the risk of bird strikes, and better protect airfield and terminal operations during significant rainfall events.

The project is already under contract and includes construction of a new underground stormwater system. That system will carry water from the airfield and the new terminal development area to Salado Creek, increasing drainage capacity while addressing what the airport describes as a long-standing drainage deficiency.

“A project like this may happen largely behind the scenes, but its benefits will be felt throughout the airport,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “This drainage improvement is an important investment in the airport’s infrastructure and will help support a safe, resilient and efficient operation for years to come.”

Part of SAT’s Broader Airfield Modernization

The drainage project is part of San Antonio International Airport’s broader Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program, or ASEIP. The multi-phase program is intended to modernize airfield infrastructure in coordination with the FAA as the airport continues its larger redevelopment and terminal expansion.

While the newly announced grants are not funding for new passenger gates or airline service, the drainage work is directly connected to the airport’s broader transformation. SAT says the improvements will support continued construction of the new terminal complex, and the underground stormwater system will serve both the airfield and the new terminal development area.

The latest awards build on nearly $6.8 million in federal funding previously secured for design and construction work related to the drainage project. Since 2020, the FAA has awarded SAT approximately $217.7 million in federal funds, including $99.2 million for airfield projects, $114.5 million for terminal projects such as the Terminal A Gate Expansion, new Terminal C and related enabling projects, and $3.9 million for other airport projects.

“San Antonio’s congressional delegation has been instrumental in advocating for continued federal investment in the city’s aviation infrastructure, and SAT appreciates the continued partnership with the FAA in advancing these critical improvements,” Saenz said.

SAT said additional phases of airfield infrastructure improvements are anticipated as the airport continues its long-term modernization program. For travelers across San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas, much of this work may remain largely behind the scenes, but the investment is aimed at strengthening the systems that help keep the airport operating safely and reliably as the facility continues to grow.

My Neighborhood News will continue following San Antonio International Airport’s expansion and infrastructure projects as additional construction details and project updates are announced.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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