Mid-Valley Airport in Weslaco receives $26 million in state funding for expansion

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced $26 million in new funding for Weslaco’s Mid Valley Airport, aimed at expanding the airport’s capabilities and boosting economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley.

“As the Rio Grande Valley grows, Weslaco Mid Valley Airport will be a key part of that success, and the state of Texas will be with you every step of the way,” Abbott said during Tuesday's announcement.

The governor signed two proclamations allocating state funds for key projects at the airport. The funding includes:

• $10 million to extend the runway, allowing for larger aircraft to land and take off,
• $8 million for the construction of new emergency response facilities, and
• $8 million for water and drainage infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area.

The governor emphasized that the growth of airports is critical to the success of Texas communities. He likened the airport to what airports in Dallas and the Austin area have helped those cities grow in terms of commerce and emergency response.

“Funding to expand this airport is now in place,” Abbott said. “Airports are vital to a community and also vital to economic growth, and so what your members of the legislature helped get to my desk this past session is a tremendous stimulant [for the] economic growth of this area,” he added.

Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said the expansion will improve the city’s emergency response capabilities and help attract more business to the region.

“When COVID hit, people were bringing supplies and stuff here to our airport, so the benefit of the expansion is that bigger planes can start landing,” Mayor Gonzalez said.

Mid Valley Airport also plays a vital role in state and federal emergency operations. It serves as a strategic hub for the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety, especially during natural disasters or border security missions.

“Obviously, DPS planes are coming in, and with the governor flying in, it will increase commercial traffic for this area. Not only that, you have an armory here,” said Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who represents Senate District 20.

State Senator Adam Hinojosa, of District 27, noted the added importance of improving emergency response in a region prone to flooding.

“Flooding is a big issue down here, so anything that we can do to help that is going to bring a response and get us help and get us evacuated is important,” Hinojosa said.

The funding is already secured, and planning and implementation will begin soon.

“In the November meeting is when we'll start talking and announcing and working on the details and what we are going to be working on the airport, timeline, and all that,” Gonzalez said.

At the end of the event, the mayor presented Governor Abbott with the key to the city in recognition of what he has done for the Rio Grande Valley.