On June 17, 2025, McKinney City Council officially accepted a $7 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to fund construction upgrades at McKinney National Airport (TKI).
The grant will cover the bulk of the costs associated with Phase II of the Taxiway A Rehabilitation and Construction project, aimed at improving safety and operational efficiency at the growing airport.
With the city contributing $1.5 million in construction funds and nearly $450,000 for design costs, the full $8.95 million project is now fully funded and set to move forward.
The Plan for Taxiway A
Located on the west side of TKI, Taxiway A supports general aviation operations. However, the aging pavement has reached the end of its useful life, prompting the need for full-scale rehabilitation.
The scope of work for Phase II includes:
- Rehabilitating existing pavement
- Constructing a new taxiway connector in a more optimal location
- Removing the outdated connector
- Completing grading and drainage improvements
“Completing the southern portion of the Taxiway A rehabilitation project will deliver important benefits for our airport users and community,” said Airport Director Kenneth Carley in an official statement. “Pilots and their passengers will have a safe taxiway to operate on, and the project will provide jobs for local skilled workers.”
Construction Timeline and Long-Term Vision
The upgrades to Taxiway A are being rolled out in two phases, with Phase I currently under construction and Phase II projected for completion in spring 2027. The overall rehabilitation plan has been part of the airport’s Master Plan since 2018, reflecting long-term investment in the facility’s future growth.
TxDOT’s grant will fund 82% of Phase II, a contribution Carley called “sizable” and essential to pushing the project across the finish line.
Airport Growth Aligns with Major Regional Infrastructure Projects
The timing of this investment aligns with broader infrastructure improvements across McKinney and Collin County. On the same day the city accepted the airport grant, TxDOT broke ground on the Spur 399 expansion project, a $967 million effort that will directly impact traffic flow around the airport.
Spur 399 will eventually curve east around McKinney National Airport before connecting to U.S. 380, creating a link from U.S. 75 and providing a bypass for mounting congestion in the area.
With more airport expansion on the horizon, including plans for new terminals and future commercial service, the need for improved access and upgraded taxiways becomes even more urgent.
What’s The Economic Impact?
According to a 2024 report, McKinney National Airport currently contributes more than $299 million annually to the local economy. That figure is projected to climb to $400 million once commercial service is added, thanks to increased job creation, business activity and tourism.
With the acceptance of this new grant and the completion of Phase II in sight, McKinney is taking another major step toward positioning its airport, and the city itself, as a hub for regional growth.
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