San Marcos OKs $1.68M land buy near airport to boost development

San Marcos City Council approved a contract with the Department of Labor to purchase approximately 170 acres of land at 2800 Airport Hwy. 21 and 1285 William Pettus Road, next to the San Marcos Regional Airport, for $1.68 million at a meeting Aug. 5. Funding was identified in 2023 from the 10-year Capital Improvements Plan in anticipation of this offer.

Though 2800 Airport Hwy. 21 is the same address as Gary Job Corps, the purchase was “not related to Gary Job Corps,” according to Madeline Baker, a spokesperson for the city of San Marcos. Randolph Goodman, GJC Community Relations Coordinator, confirmed that it is not GJC but shares a fenceline with it.

In a nutshell

The long-term goal is to support the operation of larger aircraft, which would stimulate development along those tracts—attracting new businesses and creating local job opportunities, according to city documents.

The purchase of that land would also preserve the airport buffer zone—an airport ordinance established in 2023—and prevent future incompatible land uses—such as residential buildings over a former landfill—that could inhibit airport operations or lead to noise and safety concerns.

What’s next

City officials submitted the contract to the DOL and paid a 10% deposit of $163,300 in early August. The remaining $1.52 million will be due within 30 days of the federal government accepting the offer.

From receipt of the application, the DOL has 180 days to decide, according to Baker.

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