Tyler Pounds Regional Airport Receives $2M Grant to Upgrade Passenger Boarding Bridge

Strategic Insights -

The City of Tyler has been awarded a significant grant to upgrade the passenger boarding bridge at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The $2,055,089 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enable the replacement of an aging jet bridge with a new one capable of servicing larger aircraft. This upgrade will not only increase operational efficiency but also position the airport for future growth. The new jet bridge will be designed to maximize the use of existing parking ramp space, reducing the need for additional space and making the airport more efficient.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Tyler has been awarded a $2,055,089 grant from the FAA to replace an aging passenger boarding bridge at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
  • The new jet bridge will be capable of servicing larger aircraft, allowing for expanded capacity and positioning the airport for future growth.
  • The total cost of the project is $2,163,253, with the FAA funding 95% of the project through Grant 56.
  • The City of Tyler will provide a 5% local match of $108,163, funded by the Half Cent Sales Tax.
  • GEMS Technical Services, Inc. was selected to handle the construction through a competitive bidding process, with the lowest qualified bid being $1,935,994.50.
  • Engineering costs account for the remaining $227,258.50 of the grant funding.
  • KSA Engineers conducted a study in December 2023 to evaluate the need for new boarding infrastructure.
  • The Half Cent Sales Tax Board approved the City's local match in May 2025.
  • The project involved a thorough bidding process, with bids being opened in April 2025.
  • The new jet bridge will improve operational efficiency by maximizing the use of existing aircraft parking ramp space.
  • The replacement project aims to resolve the issue of outdated equipment become increasingly expensive to maintain and difficult to source replacement parts.

Statistics:

  • $2,055,089: The grant amount awarded to the City of Tyler by the FAA.
  • $2,163,253: The total cost of the project, including local matching funds.
  • 95%: The percentage of the project funded by the FAA through Grant 56.
  • $108,163: The local match provided by the City of Tyler, funded by the Half Cent Sales Tax.
  • $1,935,994.50: The lowest qualified bid submitted by GEMS Technical Services, Inc.
  • $227,258.50: The remaining grant funding allocated to engineering costs.
  • December 2023: The month in which KSA Engineers initiated the study to evaluate the need for new boarding infrastructure.
  • April 2025: The month in which bids for the project were opened.
  • May 2025: The month in which the Half Cent Sales Tax Board approved the City's local match.

Sources:

  • The City of Tyler news release.