SAN MARCOS, Texas (October 29, 2018) – According to a Texas Aviation Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division (TxDOT), the contribution to the local economy from San Marcos Regional Airport has increased dramatically over the past eight years.
The study, which is used to measure the economic benefits provided by the state’s airport system, examined both direct and secondary impacts attributed to airport-related activity. Direct impacts account for activities by on-airport businesses and government agencies and the off-airport visitor spending at locations like hotels and restaurants. Secondary and multiplier impacts occur when companies incur business expenses and from the recirculation of direct impacts within the boundaries of the economic region.
“The study reinforces and helps quantify what we already knew,” said Jim Wimberly with Texas Aviation Partners (TAP), the firm that has managed the airport on behalf of the City since 2010. “Growth and activity that happens at the airport has a real ripple effect throughout the entire region.”
Compared to a similar study done by TxDOT in 2010, San Marcos Regional total economic output has increased from $44.9M to $82.1M – an 82% increase. The upward trend is echoed in the airport’s revenues which have increased from $293,000 in FY 2011 to $604,000 in FY 2018 – a 106% increase.
Additionally, the study found that out of the 264 non-commercial service airports in Texas, San Marcos ranks 16th for economic output.
Wimberly added that the economic output figures do not include revenue the City of San Marcos and Caldwell County receive from property taxes – another component the city will consider when updating the Airport Master Plan.
“As the interest in our airport increases, it’s important we have a solid guide in place for future infrastructure and continued success,” said San Marcos City Manager Bert Lumbreras. “We have a tremendous asset in our Airport and it’s vitally important we use this Master Plan as a valuable tool in determining needs and programming future development.”
The Master Plan project, scheduled to kick off this week, will look at long-term airport use, anticipated projects, and funding needs over the next 5-10 years.
More information: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/aviation/eco-impact-aviation.html
About San Marcos Regional Airport: Occupying nearly 1,400 acres, San Marcos Regional Airport is the city’s largest parcel of developable land and has been managed by Texas Aviation Partners since 2010. The airport is home to more than 225 based aircraft and 12 aviation-related businesses employing nearly 200 people. San Marcos Regional is the only reliever airport in Texas for two international airports (Austin-Bergstrom and San Antonio International). To learn more, visit www.flysanmarcos.com.
About Texas Aviation Partners: Texas Aviation Partners was founded in 2007 to offer a unique blend of aviation and business solutions. TAP provides services that range from airport and FBO management to business development plans, capital improvement project management, and consulting. To learn more, visit www.texasaviationpartners.com.
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